Calculate the Difference: 843 minus 157 in Vertical Format

Q: Why can't I subtract 7 from 3 in the units place?

You can't take away 7 items from only 3 items! That's why we borrow from the tens place, turning the 3 into 13, so we can subtract: $ 13 - 7 = 6 $.

Q: Do I need to borrow in every subtraction problem?

No! You only borrow when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. If 8 - 2, no borrowing needed. If 2 - 8, then you must borrow.

Q: How do I know if I borrowed correctly?

Check that you reduced the borrowed-from digit by 1 and added 10 to the borrowing digit. The math should work out evenly in each column.

Q: Can I check my subtraction answer?

Yes! Use addition to check subtraction. Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $ 686 + 157 = 843 $. If you get the original number, you're correct!

Multi-digit Subtraction with Borrowing

$\begin{aligned} &843 \\ -& \\ &157\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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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 consider borrowing 2 digits, and then we'll place

00:07 3 is less than 7

00:13 Therefore we'll subtract 1 from the tens and add this amount to the ones

00:17 Meaning now instead of 3 we'll have 13

00:20 We'll subtract the ones from the ones plus ten

00:26 We'll place in the ones

00:31 3 is less than 5

00:35 Therefore we'll subtract 1 from the hundreds and add this amount to the tens

00:40 Meaning now instead of 3 we'll have 13

00:47 We'll subtract the tens from the tens plus ten

00:53 We'll place in the tens

00:58 Subtract hundreds from hundreds, and place in hundreds

01:01 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &843 \\ -& \\ &157\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction problem $843 - 157$ , follow these steps:

Align the numbers vertically:
```
   843
  - 157
  ------
  
```
Start subtracting from the rightmost column (units):
- Units place: $3 - 7$ . Since 3 is less than 7, we need to borrow. Borrow 1 from the tens place, turning the 4 into a 3, and making the 3 in the units place a 13.
- After borrowing, subtract: $13 - 7 = 6$ .
Move to the tens column:
- After borrowing, we have $3 - 5$ . Borrow 1 from the hundreds place, turning the 8 into a 7, and making the tens 3 into 13.
- Subtract: $13 - 5 = 8$ .
Finally, subtract the hundreds column: $7 - 1 = 6$ .

 843
- 157
-----
  686

Therefore, the final result of the subtraction $843 - 157$ is $686$ .

Final Answer

686

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When top digit is smaller, borrow from left column
Technique: Transform 3 - 7 into 13 - 7 = 6 by borrowing
Check: Add answer to subtrahend: 686 + 157 = 843 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to reduce the borrowed-from digit
Don't borrow 1 from the tens place without changing 4 to 3 = wrong calculation! This leaves the original digit unchanged and creates impossible math. Always reduce the borrowed-from digit by 1 after borrowing.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\begin{aligned} &15 \\ -& \\ &~~4 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I subtract 7 from 3 in the units place?

You can't take away 7 items from only 3 items! That's why we borrow from the tens place, turning the 3 into 13, so we can subtract: $13 - 7 = 6$ .

What happens to the 4 in the tens place after I borrow?

The 4 becomes a 3 because you borrowed 1 ten from it. Think of it like trading: you gave away 1 ten and got 10 ones in return!

Do I need to borrow in every subtraction problem?

No! You only borrow when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. If 8 - 2, no borrowing needed. If 2 - 8, then you must borrow.

How do I know if I borrowed correctly?

Check that you reduced the borrowed-from digit by 1 and added 10 to the borrowing digit. The math should work out evenly in each column.

Can I check my subtraction answer?

Yes! Use addition to check subtraction. Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $686 + 157 = 843$ . If you get the original number, you're correct!

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