Subtract 15 from 33: Vertical Format Arithmetic Problem

Q: Why can't I just subtract 5 - 3 = 2 in the ones place?

Because position matters in subtraction! We're taking away 5 from 3, not the other way around. Since we can't take 5 from 3, we must borrow 10 from the tens place first.

Q: What does 'borrowing' actually mean?

Borrowing means trading 1 ten for 10 ones. So 33 becomes 2 tens and 13 ones. Now we can subtract: 13 - 5 = 8 in the ones place, and 2 - 1 = 1 in the tens place.

Q: How do I remember when to borrow?

Simple rule: If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, you must borrow! Look at each column from right to left before you start subtracting.

Q: Can I check my answer without adding?

Yes! Use estimation: 33 is close to 30, and 15 is close to 15. So 30 - 15 = 15, which is close to our answer of 18. This confirms we're in the right range!

Subtraction with Borrowing Technique

$\begin{aligned} &33 \\ -& \\ &15 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Each time we consider it as a subtraction of 2 digits, and then we place

00:06 3 is less than 5

00:09 So we subtract 1 from the tens and add this amount to the units

00:16 Which means now instead of 3 we will have 13

00:23 We subtract the units from the units plus ten

00:26 Place in units

00:31 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens

00:35 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

$\begin{aligned} &33 \\ -& \\ &15 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Write the numbers 33 and 15 vertically, aligning by the rightmost digits.
Subtract the digit in the units place, which is 3 (from 33) minus 5 (from 15). Since 3 is less than 5, we need to borrow 1 ten from the tens place.
After borrowing, the units digit becomes 13 (instead of 3).
Now, perform the subtraction: 13 - 5 equals 8.
Proceed to the tens place: We borrowed 1, leaving 2 in the tens column of 33.
Subtract the tens: 2 - 1 equals 1.

The final answer, after borrowing and executing the subtraction, is $(33 - 15)$ which equals $18$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $18$ .

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: Change 3 to 13, reduce tens digit: 13 - 5 = 8
Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: 18 + 15 = 33 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting smaller from larger regardless of position
Don't subtract 3 - 5 = 2 by flipping to 5 - 3! This ignores place value and gives wrong answers like 22 instead of 18. Always borrow from the next column when the top digit is smaller.

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 5 - 3 = 2 in the ones place?

Because position matters in subtraction! We're taking away 5 from 3, not the other way around. Since we can't take 5 from 3, we must borrow 10 from the tens place first.

What does 'borrowing' actually mean?

Borrowing means trading 1 ten for 10 ones. So 33 becomes 2 tens and 13 ones. Now we can subtract: 13 - 5 = 8 in the ones place, and 2 - 1 = 1 in the tens place.

How do I remember when to borrow?

Simple rule: If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, you must borrow! Look at each column from right to left before you start subtracting.

Can I check my answer without adding?

Yes! Use estimation: 33 is close to 30, and 15 is close to 15. So 30 - 15 = 15, which is close to our answer of 18. This confirms we're in the right range!

What if I borrowed but still get the wrong answer?

Double-check these steps:

Did you reduce the tens digit after borrowing?
Did you add 10 to the ones digit?
Did you subtract correctly in both columns?

Go through each step slowly!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Arithmetic Operations questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime