Subtracting Currency Math

Understanding Currency Subtraction

Before we begin, remember:

• $1.00 = 100 cents
• Always subtract smaller amounts from larger amounts
• You can subtract using either cents (¢) or dollars ($)

Examples

1: Basic Subtraction

Problem: You have 75 cents ($0.75). You buy a toy for 50 cents ($0.50). How much do you have in total left?

Solution: Subtract what you spent from what you had: $0.75 − $0.50 = $0.25. You have 25 cents ($0.25) left.

Solution:

1. Write the amounts: 75¢ – 50¢
2. Subtract the numbers: 75 – 50 = 25
3. Final amount left: 25¢ or $0.25

Answer: You have 25 cents left.

2: Subtracting Smaller Amounts

Problem: You have 60 cents ($0.60). You spend 15 cents ($0.15) on candy. How much is left?

Solution: Subtract the spending from the starting amount: $0.60 − $0.15 = $0.45. You have 45 cents ($0.45) left.

Solution:

1. Write the amounts: 60¢ – 15¢
2. Subtract the numbers: 60 – 15 = 45
3. Final amount left: 45¢ or $0.45

Answer: You have 45 cents left.

3: Subtracting from a Dollar

Problem: You have 1 dollar ($1.00). You buy a sticker for 85 cents ($0.85). How much is left?

Solution: Subtract the cost from your starting dollar: $1.00 − $0.85 = $0.15. You have 15 cents ($0.15) left.

Solution:

1. Convert $1.00 to cents: 100¢
2. Write the amounts: 100¢ – 85¢
3. Subtract the numbers: 100 – 85 = 15
4. Final amount left: 15¢ or $0.15

Answer: You have 15 cents left.

Practice Problems

Try solving these:

1. 90¢ – 35¢ = ?
2. 1.25−0.75 = ?
3. 50¢ – 17¢ = ?

Answers:

1. 55¢ ($0.55)
2. 50¢ ($0.50)
3. 33¢ ($0.33)

Subtracting dollars and cents is easy when you:

1. Know your starting amount
2. Subtract what you spend
3. Keep track of what’s left

Practice with actual currency and bills to become confident in handling currency. Next time you go shopping, try calculating your change before the cashier tells you!