An Investigation of Subtraction Algorithms Utilized in the US during the 18th and 19th Centuries

Over 30 arithmetic texts and 280 cyphering books utilized in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries were examined for subtraction algorithms. A framework for different types of subtraction algorithms utilized at this time will be presented. The investigation revealed that same algorithms were not utilized in arithmetic texts and cyphering books—providing evidence of support that printed books as solitary source of historical investigations are an insufficient representation of this time period in the United States.