Subtraction of Small Numbers Calculator

Published on: January 7, 2024
Final Answer: Free • Full Steps: Free

This Subtraction of Small Numbers Calculator helps you subtract simple whole numbers and shows every step clearly on a number line. Start at the first number, then move that many steps to the left for each number you subtract, one step at a time. Continue from each new landing position until every number has been subtracted. Following the same pattern every time is what makes subtraction easy to picture, check, and repeat on your own with any small numbers.

Step-by-step method

  1. Start at the first number on the number line.
  2. Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left, then repeat the same pattern from where you land until all numbers have been subtracted.
Blank number line from -5 to 5
An Empty Number Line from -5 to 5

Tip: Subtracting a negative number moves right instead of left, because \(8 - (-3)\) lands in the same place as \(8 + 3\). If your problem is written as an addition, the Addition of Small Numbers Calculator shows it that way instead.

See Example 1 Hide Example 1

Problem

\(7 - 5\)

Approach

Step-by-step method

  1. Start at the first number on the number line.
  2. Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left, then repeat the same pattern from where you land until all numbers have been subtracted.

Step 1

Step 1 - Start at the first number on the number line.

In this problem: Start at \(7\).

Number Line Step 1

Step 2

Step 2 - Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left.

In this problem: Now start at \(7\). Subtract \(5\) → move left \(5\) steps → land on \(2\).

Number Line Step 2

Final Answer

\(7 - 5 = 2\)
See Example 2 Hide Example 2

Problem

\(14 - 6 - 3\)

Approach

Step-by-step method

  1. Start at the first number on the number line.
  2. Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left, then repeat the same pattern from where you land until all numbers have been subtracted.

Step 1

Step 1 - Start at the first number on the number line.

In this problem: Start at \(14\).

Number Line Step 1

Step 2

Step 2 - Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left. If there are more numbers, start where you land and repeat the same pattern.

In this problem: Now start at \(14\). Subtract \(6\) → move left \(6\) steps → land on \(8\).

Number Line Step 2

Step 3

Step 3 - Subtract the next number and move that many steps to the left.

In this problem: Now start at \(8\). Subtract \(3\) → move left \(3\) steps → land on \(5\).

Number Line Step 3

Final Answer

\(14 - 6 - 3 = 5\)