Excel Math: How To Add, Subtract, Divide, And Multiply

Addition

Adding numbers is a basic mathematical operation that we encounter in our everyday lives. Whether you are calculating your expenses, determining the total marks on a test, or simply adding up a recipe, the ability to add numbers accurately is fundamental.

To add numbers, follow these steps:

1. Write the numbers vertically, lining up the digits according to their place value.
2. Start by adding the digits in the rightmost column (the ones column).
3. If the sum of the digits is less than 10, write the sum under the column. If the sum is equal to or greater than 10, write only the ones digit and carry over the tens digit to the next column.
4. Repeat the process for each subsequent column, working from right to left.
5. If there are no more columns to add, write the final sum.

For example, let’s add 34 and 57:

34
+57
—–

Starting from the rightmost column, 4 + 7 equals 11. Write down 1 under the column and carry over 1 to the next column.

In the next column, 3 + 5 plus the carried over 1 equals 9. Write down 9 under the column.

The final sum is 91.

Practicing addition regularly helps improve mental math skills and aids in quick calculations. Whether you are adding small numbers or large ones, following these steps will ensure accurate results.

Subtraction

Subtraction is another fundamental operation in mathematics that involves finding the difference between two numbers. Whether you are determining how much money you have left after making a purchase or subtracting values in a mathematical equation, understanding subtraction is essential.

To subtract numbers, follow these steps:

1. Write the numbers vertically, lining up the digits according to their place value.
2. Start by subtracting the digits in the rightmost column (the ones column).
3. If the digit being subtracted is larger than the digit it is being subtracted from, borrow from the next higher place value column.
4. Subtract the digits and write the difference under the column.
5. Repeat the process for each subsequent column, working from right to left.
6. If there are no more columns to subtract, write the final difference.

For example, let’s subtract 57 from 96:

96
– 57
—–

Starting from the rightmost column, 6 minus 7 is not possible. Therefore, we borrow one from the tens column, making the tens column 8 and the ones column 16.

Now, subtracting 7 from 16 equals 9. Write down 9 under the column.

The final difference is 39.

Practicing subtraction regularly helps enhance mental math skills and sharpens problem-solving abilities. By following these steps, you can ensure accurate results in subtracting numbers.

Multiplication

Multiplication is an arithmetic operation that involves combining two or more numbers to find their total product. It is a fundamental mathematical concept used in various real-life scenarios, such as calculating the total cost of items or determining the area of a rectangle.

To multiply numbers, follow these steps:

1. Write the numbers vertically, with one number below the other.
2. Start with the rightmost digit of the bottom number.
3. Multiply the digit by each digit of the top number, starting from the rightmost digit.
4. Write the product of each multiplication step below its corresponding digit in the bottom number.
5. If there is a carry-over from one multiplication step to the next, add it to the product.
6. Add up all the products to get the final product.

For example, let’s multiply 24 by 3:

24
x 3
—–

Starting with the rightmost digit 3, we multiply it by 4, which gives us 12. Write down 2 under the column and carry over 1 to the next column.

Next, multiply 3 by 2 and add the carry-over from the previous step. This gives us 7. Write down 7 under the column.

The final product is 72.

Multiplication tables and regular practice can improve mental math skills and speed up calculations. By following these steps, you can accurately multiply numbers and achieve efficient results in a variety of applications.

Division

Division is a mathematical operation used to distribute or split a quantity into equal parts. It is a fundamental concept that we encounter in various situations, such as dividing objects, calculating rates, or sharing items among a group of people. Understanding division is crucial for solving mathematical problems.

To divide numbers, follow these steps:

1. Write the dividend (the number to be divided) and the divisor (the number dividing the dividend) in the division format.
2. Start with the leftmost digit of the dividend.
3. Divide the leftmost digit by the divisor to find the quotient (the result of division) and write it above the division line.
4. Multiply the quotient by the divisor and write the product beneath the dividend.
5. Subtract the product from the corresponding digits in the dividend and bring down the next digit.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 until you have divided all the digits of the dividend.

For example, let’s divide 84 by 4:

___21
4 | 84
—–

Start with the leftmost digit, which is 8. Divide 8 by 4, which equals 2. Write down 2 above the division line.

Multiply the quotient (2) by the divisor (4), which equals 8. Write down 8 beneath the dividend.

Subtract 8 from 8, which leaves 0. Bring down the next digit, which is 4.

Divide 4 by 4, which equals 1. Write down 1 above the division line.

Multiply 1 by 4, which equals 4. Write down 4 beneath the dividend.

Subtract 4 from 4, which also leaves 0.

The final quotient is 21.

Practicing division regularly helps improve problem-solving abilities and strengthens mathematical skills. By following these steps, you can divide numbers accurately and solve various division-related problems.