Partial - Differences Subtraction Method  1. Subtract from left to right, one column at a time.  2. Always subtract the smaller number from the larger number:  ·         If the smaller number is on the top, include a minus sign before the difference. Subtract the difference from the answer.  3. Add up the answers from each column.  Example: 759 – 384 =        7 5 9       - 3 8 4                 Subtract the 100s 700 - 300 + 4 0 0   Subtract the 10s 80 - 50 -   3 0 * Subtract the 1s 9 - 4 +     5                 Find the total 400 – 30 + 5   3 7 5    * Remember to include a minus sign if the smaller number (50) is on top.