Borrowing

Topic

Addition and Subtraction

Definition

Borrowing is a technique used in subtraction when a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend.

Description

Borrowing, also known as regrouping, is a technique used in subtraction when the digit being subtracted is larger than the digit it is being subtracted from. For example, in the subtraction problem 

52 − 29

borrowing is needed to subtract 9 from 2. The 2 becomes 12, and the 5 becomes 4, resulting in 12 − 9 = 3 and 4 - 2 = 2, so the answer is 23.

This technique is essential for performing accurate subtraction and is a foundational skill in arithmetic. Understanding borrowing helps students solve more complex subtraction problems and prepares them for advanced mathematical concepts such as algebra.

In real-world applications, borrowing is used in various scenarios, such as calculating change in financial transactions, measuring quantities in recipes, and more. For example, if you have $52 and spend $29, borrowing helps you determine that you have $23 left.

Teacher's Script: "Today, we will learn about borrowing in subtraction. Sometimes, when we subtract, the number on top is smaller than the number on the bottom. We need to borrow from the next column to make the subtraction possible. Let's practice borrowing with some examples."

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