Subtraction to Get the Smallest Difference

Directions: Using the digits 1 to 9, at most one time each, fill the boxes below to create the smallest possible difference.

Subtraction 2nd grade

Hint

Remember that zeros are not allowed.  Because you can only use each digit once, the digit in the hundreds place can’t be the same.

Answer

14

One possible solution is 612-598 = 14. 

Source: Graham Fletcher

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Check Also

Make The Time

Directions: Using the digits 0 to 9 at most one time each, place a digit …

37 comments

  1. Cameron Williams (Mrs. Elliott's 4th Graders)

    We also got 14 with 412-398=14.

  2. But you used 1 in the question and 1 in the answer.

  3. My best is 718-695 = 23

  4. Jocelyn Rodriguez

    612-598=14.

  5. 612-598=14

  6. 612-598 = 14

  7. 612-598=14

  8. Sydney Molitoris

    612-598=14

  9. 612-598=14

  10. 412-398=14

  11. 512-498=14

  12. 512-498=14

  13. My best is 701-698=3

  14. You cannot use the number 0 in the problem.

  15. 612-598=14

  16. 516-498=18

  17. 612-598=14

  18. 102-96=2

  19. Annecy Tran (Mrs Chang's 4th Math and Science Adavnced Academics Program [AAP]

    So no repeating numbers and no zero and the answer is fine.

  20. Well no using the same numbers twice.

  21. Smallest difference is 14. Possible combinations are: 812-798, 712-698, 612-598, 512-498 and 412-398.

    Largest difference is 987-123=864

  22. 123-987= -864

  23. 861-759=2

  24. My daughter is working on this exact math problem. Can anyone explain HOW you know to get to this answer?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *