Subtracting Expressions Using Vertical Method

The vertical method is a commonly used technique to subtract numbers or algebraic expressions. In this method, we stack the numbers or expressions vertically and subtract them digit by digit or term by term. Let's see how we can subtract expressions using the vertical method.

Step 1: Write the expressions vertically
Write the expressions to be subtracted vertically, aligning the like terms in columns. If necessary, add zeros as placeholders to make the columns line up.

Step 2: Subtract the like terms
Starting from the rightmost column, subtract the like terms or algebraic expressions. If the top number is smaller than the bottom number, borrow from the column to the left.

Step 3: Write the result
Write the result of each subtraction below the line, again lining up the like terms in columns.

Step 4: Simplify the result
Combine any like terms and simplify the result if possible.

Example:
Let's subtract the expressions 3x^2 + 4x - 5 and 2x^2 - 3x + 1 using the vertical method.

Step 1:
3x^2 + 4x - 5
- 2x^2 - 3x + 1

Step 2:
3x^2 + 4x - 5
- 2x^2 - 3x + 1
--------------
1x^2 + 7x - 6

Step 3:
3x^2 + 4x - 5
- 2x^2 - 3x + 1
--------------
1x^2 + 7x - 6

Step 4:
The result is 1x^2 + 7x - 6, which cannot be simplified further.

Conclusion:
The vertical method is an effective way to subtract expressions in a clear and organized manner. By breaking down the process into steps, we can ensure that we don't make any mistakes and simplify the result if possible.