Subtraction of Capacity

In subtraction of capacity we will learn how to find the difference between the units of capacity and volume. While subtracting we need to follow that the units of capacity i.e., liter and milliliter are converted into milliliters before subtraction and then follow the simple subtraction process.

We will learn two different methods to solve subtraction using the standard unit and smaller unit of capacity. Students can practice both the methods.

(i) Subtracting units with conversion into milliliter

(ii) Subtracting units without conversion into milliliter

Worked-out examples on subtraction of capacity:

1. Subtract 6 l 250 ml from 15 l 500 ml

Solution:

Method 1 (with conversion into milliliter):

We know, 1 liter = 1000 milliliters

Now liter and milliliter are converted into milliliters before doing subtraction and then we need to follow the simple subtraction process.

6 l 250 ml = (6 × 1000) ml + 250 ml = 6000 ml + 250 ml = 6250 milliliters

15 l 500 ml = (15 × 1000) ml + 500 ml = 15000 ml + 500 ml = 15500 milliliters

Now difference is, 

             15500 ml

          -   6250 ml
              9250 ml

                         = 9 l 250 ml

Therefore, 15 l 500 ml - 6 l 250 ml = 9 l 250 ml

Method 2 (without conversion into milliliter):

Here liter and milliliter are arranged in different columns and then subtract like ordinary numbers.

Follow the steps:

(i) Liter and milliliter are arranged in columns

(ii) 500 ml - 250 ml = 250 ml

(iii) 15 l - 6 l = 9 l

              l       ml
               15     500

        -    6     250
             9     250

                        = 9 l 250 ml

Therefore, difference of 6 l 250 ml from 15 l 500 ml = 9 l 250 ml 

2. Subtract 6 l 650 ml from 18 l 875 ml

Solution:

Method 1 (with conversion into milliliter):

We know, 1 liter = 1000 milliliters

Now liter and milliliter are converted into milliliters before doing subtraction and then we need to follow the simple subtraction process.

6 l 650 ml = (6 × 1000) ml + 650 ml = 6000 ml + 650 ml = 6650 milliliters

18 l 875 ml = (18 × 1000) ml + 875 ml = 18000 ml + 875 ml = 18875 milliliters

Now difference is, 

                                = 12 l 225 ml

Therefore, 18 l 875 ml - 6 l 650 ml = 12 l 225 m

Method 2 (without conversion into milliliter):

Here liter and milliliter are arranged in different columns and then subtract like ordinary numbers.

Follow the steps:

(i) Liter and milliliter are arranged in columns

(ii) 875 ml - 650 ml = 225 ml

(iii) 18 l - 6 l = 12 l

                  l       ml
                18     875

            -    6     650
                12     225

                            = 12 l 225 ml

Therefore, difference of 6 l 650 ml from 18 l 875 ml = 12 l 225 ml 

More solved examples on subtraction of capacity where the method is mentioned in the given question.

3. Subtract 7 l 850 ml from 19 l 375 ml without conversion into milliliter.

Solution:

Without conversion into milliliter here liter and milliliter are arranged in different columns and then subtract like ordinary numbers.

Follow the steps:

(i) Liter and milliliter are arranged in columns

(ii) 850 ml - 375 ml, so 1 l from 19 l is borrowed and added to 375 ml

1 l + 375 ml = 1375 ml

1375 ml - 850 ml = 525 ml

(iii) 19 l reduce into 18 l

18 l - 7 l = 11 l

                  l        ml
                 1      1000
                19      375

            -    7      850
                11      525

                             = 11 l 525 ml

Therefore, difference of 7 l 850 ml from 19 l 375 ml = 11 l 525 ml 

4. Subtract 4 l 250 ml from 13 l 750 ml with conversion into milliliter.

Solution:

With conversion into milliliter we will do simple subtraction.

We know, 1 liter = 1000 milliliters

Now liter and milliliter are converted into milliliters before doing subtraction and then we need to follow the simple subtraction process.

4 l 250 ml = (4 × 1000) ml + 250 ml = 4000 ml + 250 ml = 4250 milliliters

13 l 750 ml = (13 × 1000) ml + 750 ml = 13000 ml + 750 ml = 13750 milliliters

Now difference is, 

                13750 ml

             -   4250 ml
                 9500 ml

                             = 9 l 500 ml

Therefore, 13 l 750 ml - 4 l 250 ml = 9 l 500 ml

Word problems on subtraction of capacity and volume:

5. Olivia purchased 7 l 500 ml of milk. She consumed 3 l 700 ml of milk during the day. How much milk was left? 

Solution:

Quantity of milk purchased                         =             7 l 500 ml

Quantity of milk consumed                         =             3 l 700 ml

Therefore, quantity of milk left                   =             3 l 800 ml

The above problems on subtraction of capacity and volume will help the students to practice the worksheet on subtracting the different units with conversion or without conversion.

● Related Concepts

● Standard Unit of Capacity

3rd Grade Math Worksheets

3rd Grade Math Lessons

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