Math

Binary Subtraction Calculator

Subtract two numbers and show the binary result.

Calculated Output

Difference (decimal) 8

Difference (binary) 1000

Formula: a − b, shown in base 2

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Minuend (decimal) = 13

3. Subtrahend (decimal) = 5

5. Difference (decimal) = Minuend (decimal) - Subtrahend (decimal) = 13 - 5 = 8

6. Difference (binary) = 1000

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The math behind it

Subtraction in binary follows the same borrowing rules as decimal, but in base 2. Computers usually use two's complement to subtract.

13 − 5 = 8 = 1000 in binary.

How do computers subtract?

They add the two's complement of the subtrahend.