subtractionChinese

Subtraction Chinese refers to a method of performing subtraction that is commonly taught in Chinese primary schools. This method is often contrasted with the "borrowing" or "regrouping" method used in many Western countries. The core principle of subtraction Chinese is to avoid explicitly borrowing across place values. Instead, it relies on a conceptual understanding of number decomposition and recomposition.

When a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend, the student is taught to break down a unit from the next higher place value in the minuend. For example, in subtracting 27 from 53, when faced with 3 minus 7, the student would think of the 50 as 40 and 10. This 10 is then added to the 3, making it 13. The subtraction then proceeds as 13 minus 7. Subsequently, the remaining tens are subtracted, 40 minus 20.

This method emphasizes mental calculation and visual representation of place values. Students often use visual aids or imagine the numbers being broken down and recombined. The goal is to build a strong number sense and fluency in arithmetic operations without relying on rote memorization of borrowing rules. While the underlying mathematical principles are the same as other subtraction methods, the pedagogical approach and terminology can differ significantly, leading to the term "subtraction Chinese."