Whole-number subtraction can be checked by using addition as its inverse: if , then must equal , reconstructing the minuend from the difference and subtrahend. This relationship applies to equations and problems with nonnegative whole numbers through 1,000, including regrouping, and clarifies that the order and roles of the numbers matter; negative numbers, decimals, and generalized algebraic verification are beyond this scope.
On this page:
- Learn “Check subtraction with addition” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Check subtraction with addition” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Check subtraction with addition you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Check subtraction with addition” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Addition and Subtraction of Integers - 1 Digit” that introduce, teach, or practice “Check subtraction with addition” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Check subtraction with addition
To check a subtraction problem, use addition.
If
then check by adding the difference and the subtrahend:
The answer should equal the minuend, the number you started with.
Example:
Check the answer:
- Start with the difference, .
- Add the subtrahend, .
The sum is , which matches the minuend in the subtraction problem. Therefore,
is correct.
Remember: add the answer and the number you subtracted. Their sum should be the number you started with.
Learn by doing: Check subtraction with addition
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Subtraction - Missing Value, 2 Digit, 1 Number
Earned ?
Download/Modify Free Grade 2 'Check subtraction with addition' Worksheet
Print this free 'Check subtraction with addition' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Subtraction - Missing Value, 2 Digit, 1 Number
- Subtraction - Missing Value, 3 Digit, 1 Number
- Subtraction - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Subtraction - Missing Value, Within 10
- Subtraction - Missing Value, Multiples of Tens
- Fact Family - Addition - Triangle to Fact
- Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture to Equation, No Borrow - Tens and Ones
- Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture to Equation, With Borrow - Hundreds and Tens
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Check subtraction with addition) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.