Write the first number on a sheet of paper. Write the number to be subtracted underneath the first number. Write a dash, (representing a minus sign) next to the lower number to indicate that the operation is one of subtraction. Count the difference between the two and the result is the answer. Write the answer as the third number in this column, separated by a line to show that it is the result of the operation above.
Place double digits in columns before beginning. Start on the right with the simple subtraction described in step one. If the number below is larger than the number above, a digit (in the majority of cases a 1) must be borrowed from the column to the left. For example, in the equation 26 - 7, begin by subtracting 7 from 16. Notice that the number 1 in 16 has been borrowed from the 2 in 26. Remember that the 2 in 26 is now one less. 16-7 is 9. The 2 in 26 has now become a 1. Since there is no second digit in 7 to be subtracted from 26, carry down the 1 and place it next to the 9. The result of 26 - 7 is 19.
Check your work by adding the answer and the number being subtracted (the lower of the first two) together. Your answer is correct if the result of your adding results in the first number of the subtraction equation. Here is an example of a subtraction equation followed by a checking equation: 5 - 3 = 2 and then 2 + 3 = 5.