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Last updated on July 28th, 2025

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Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

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The mathematical operation of finding the difference between two hexadecimal numbers is known as the subtraction of hexadecimal numbers. This process is essential in digital computing and helps solve problems involving hexadecimal arithmetic operations.

Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers for Vietnamese Students
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What is Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers?

Subtracting hexadecimal numbers involves a process similar to decimal subtraction but with base 16. It requires borrowing from higher significant digits when the minuend is smaller than the subtrahend in a given column.

 

Hexadecimal numbers consist of:

 

Digits: These include 0-9 and letters A-F, representing values from 0 to 15.

 

Operators: For subtraction, the operator is the minus (-) symbol.

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How to do Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers?

When subtracting hexadecimal numbers, students should follow these steps:

 

Borrowing: If a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend, borrow from a higher digit.

 

Convert to Decimal: Convert the hexadecimal numbers to decimal if necessary, perform the subtraction, and convert back to hexadecimal.

 

Simplifying result: Write the result in hexadecimal form, ensuring that each digit is between 0 and F.

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Methods to do Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

The following methods are used for subtraction of hexadecimal numbers:

 

Method 1: Direct Subtraction

 

Perform the subtraction directly by comparing each column starting from the right, borrowing as necessary, similar to decimal subtraction.

 

Example: Subtract 1A3 from 2B5

 

Step 1: Start from the rightmost digit.

 

Step 2: Borrow from the left when necessary.

 

Step 3: Compute the difference.

 

Answer: 112

 

Method 2: Convert and Subtract

 

Convert the hexadecimal numbers to decimal, perform the subtraction, and convert the result back to hexadecimal.

 

Example: Subtract C4 from 1F6 Decimal Conversion: 1F6 (502) - C4 (196)

 

Subtract: 502 - 196 = 306

 

Hexadecimal Conversion: 306 = 132

 

Answer: 132

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Properties of Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

Subtraction in hexadecimal arithmetic has the following properties:

 

  • Subtraction is not commutative Changing the order of the numbers changes the result, i.e., A - B ≠ B - A.

 

  • Subtraction is not associative Rearranging the numbers in subtraction changes the outcome. (A − B) − C ≠ A − (B − C)

 

  • Subtraction requires borrowing When a digit in the minuend is smaller, borrowing from the next higher digit is necessary.

 

  • Subtracting zero leaves the number unchanged Subtracting zero from any hexadecimal number results in the same number: A - 0 = A.
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Tips and Tricks for Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

Here are some tips to efficiently perform hexadecimal subtraction:

 

Tip 1: Be familiar with borrowing in base 16.

 

Tip 2: Remember hexadecimal values: A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15.

 

Tip 3: Use conversion for complex problems: Convert to decimal, perform subtraction, convert back.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Forgetting to borrow

Students often forget to borrow in base 16. Always check if the minuend digit needs borrowing.

Mistake 1

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Misinterpreting hexadecimal values

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Ensure you correctly interpret hexadecimal digits as their respective decimal values (A=10 to F=15).

Mistake 2

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Misalignment in subtraction

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Ensure digits are aligned properly, with corresponding significant places matched.

Mistake 3

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Leaving results in decimal

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Always convert the result back to hexadecimal if you used decimal conversion for calculations.

Mistake 4

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Ignoring leading zeros

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Remove unnecessary leading zeros in the final hexadecimal result for clarity.

Mistake 5

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Examples of Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

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Subtract 4B from 7E

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33

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Problem 1

Using direct subtraction, 7E (126) - 4B (75) = 126 - 75 = 51 Convert back to hexadecimal: 51 = 33

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Subtract A2 from F3

Explanation

51

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Problem 2

Using direct subtraction, F3 (243) - A2 (162) = 243 - 162 = 81 Convert back to hexadecimal: 81 = 51

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Subtract 56 from B7

Explanation

61

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Problem 3

B7 (183) - 56 (86) = 183 - 86 = 97 Convert back to hexadecimal: 97 = 61

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Subtract 1A3 from 2B5

Explanation

112

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Problem 4

2B5 (693) - 1A3 (419) = 693 - 419 = 274 Convert back to hexadecimal: 274 = 112

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Subtract C4 from 1F6

Explanation

132

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Yes, subtraction can be performed directly, but borrowing must be done in base 16 where necessary.

1.Is subtraction commutative in hexadecimal?

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2.What are hexadecimal digits?

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3.What is the first step in subtracting hexadecimal numbers?

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4.What methods are used for subtracting hexadecimal numbers?

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5.How can children in Vietnam use numbers in everyday life to understand Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers?

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6.What are some fun ways kids in Vietnam can practice Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers with numbers?

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7.What role do numbers and Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers play in helping children in Vietnam develop problem-solving skills?

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8.How can families in Vietnam create number-rich environments to improve Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers skills?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Subtraction of Hexadecimal Numbers

Subtraction in hexadecimal can be challenging, leading to common mistakes. Awareness of these errors can help avoid them.

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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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