Calculate the Difference: 74 minus 38 Using Vertical Subtraction

Q: Why can't I just subtract 8 - 4 = 4 in the units place?

Position matters! In subtraction, you must subtract the bottom number from the top number in each column. Since 4

Q: What does 'borrowing' actually mean?

Borrowing means trading 1 ten for 10 units. So 74 becomes 6 tens + 14 units (still equals 74). Now you can subtract: $14 - 8 = 6$ in the units column.

Q: How do I remember when to borrow?

Simple rule: If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any column, you need to borrow! Look at each column from right to left before starting.

Q: What if I need to borrow from zero?

When borrowing from 0, you need to keep going left until you find a digit you can borrow from. For example, 304 - 158 requires borrowing from the hundreds place first.

Q: How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $36 + 38$. If you get the original top number (74), your answer is right!

Vertical Subtraction with Borrowing

$\begin{aligned} &74 \\ -& \\ &38 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Each time we calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then we substitute

00:06 4 is less than 8

00:09 Therefore we subtract 1 from the tens, and add this amount to the ones

00:15 Meaning now instead of 4 we'll have 14

00:21 Subtract the ones from the ones plus ten

00:24 Place in the ones

00:29 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens

00:33 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &74 \\ -& \\ &38 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll use vertical subtraction:

Step 1: Set up the subtraction vertically, ensuring the digits align properly. Write 74 above 38, with a subtraction line underneath.
Step 2: Subtract the units column first. We have $4 - 8$ which cannot be done directly since 4 is smaller than 8.
Step 3: Borrow (regroup) from the tens column, converting 74 into 60 and 14. This is achieved by reducing 74 to 6 tens (60) and adding 10 to the 4 units to make it 14.
Step 4: Now, subtract the units: $14 - 8 = 6$ .
Step 5: Next, subtract the tens column: $6 - 3 = 3$ .
Step 6: Combine the results of the tens and units: $36$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $36$ , which corresponds to choice 4.

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When top digit is smaller, borrow 10 from next column
Technique: Convert 74 to 60 and 14, then calculate $14 - 8 = 6$
Check: Add your answer to the smaller number: $36 + 38 = 74$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting smaller from larger in wrong order
Don't subtract 4 - 8 = -4 or flip to 8 - 4 = 4 without borrowing! This gives wrong digits like 44 or 34. Always borrow first: change 74 to 6 tens and 14 units before subtracting.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\begin{aligned} &105 \\ -& \\ &~~~~3 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 8 - 4 = 4 in the units place?

Position matters! In subtraction, you must subtract the bottom number from the top number in each column. Since 4 < 8, you need to borrow first to make it 14 - 8 = 6.

What does 'borrowing' actually mean?

Borrowing means trading 1 ten for 10 units. So 74 becomes 6 tens + 14 units (still equals 74). Now you can subtract: $14 - 8 = 6$ in the units column.

How do I remember when to borrow?

Simple rule: If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any column, you need to borrow! Look at each column from right to left before starting.

What if I need to borrow from zero?

When borrowing from 0, you need to keep going left until you find a digit you can borrow from. For example, 304 - 158 requires borrowing from the hundreds place first.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $36 + 38$ . If you get the original top number (74), your answer is right!

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