# How to subtract algebraic symbols using Row method

Subtracting one algebraic symbol from another algebraic symbol by writing them in a row and placing a minus sign between them is defined as the subtraction of algebraic symbols using row method.

Row method is a commonly used mathematical process of subtracting algebraic symbols. Algebraic symbols are written in a row and a plus sign is placed between them to perform the subtraction.

## Cases

There are two possible cases of subtracting algebraic symbols in algebraic mathematics. The first case is, subtracting an algebraic symbol from its like symbol. The second case is, subtracting an algebraic symbol from an unlike algebraic symbol.

1.

### Subtracting Like Symbols

Subtraction of Like symbols

$a$ is an algebraic symbol and its like algebraic symbol is also same. Therefore, write them in a row and place a minus sign ($–$) between them to perform the subtraction in row method.

Subtraction of one algebraic symbol from its like algebraic symbol is always zero because there is nothing left if total quantity is subtracted.

2.

### Subtracting Unlike Symbols

Subtraction of Unlike symbols

Subtraction of two algebraic unlike symbols forms an algebraic expression. One algebraic symbol cannot be subtracted from another algebraic symbol due to the unlike property. Therefore, write algebraic symbols in a row and just place a minus sign between them.

$a$ and $b$ are alphabetic letters but there are two unlike algebraic symbols. Write two unlike algebraic symbols in a row and place a minus sign between them to perform subtraction of algebraic unlike symbols using row method.

Save (or) Share