Solve Multi-digit Subtraction: 6002 minus 373

Q: Why do I need to borrow from the thousands place when there are zeros?

When you have zeros in the middle, you must borrow through all of them! The 6 in 6002 becomes 5, and each 0 becomes 9 until you reach the column where you actually need the extra 10.

Q: How do I know which direction to borrow from?

Always borrow from the column to the left (the next higher place value). You can't borrow from smaller place values because they represent smaller amounts.

Q: What happens to 6002 when I borrow for the units place?

It becomes 5992! The 6 becomes 5, both 0s become 9s, and the final 2 becomes 12 (which you write as 2 but think of as 12 for subtraction).

Q: Can I subtract from left to right instead?

No, always work from right to left in subtraction! Starting from the left can lead to borrowing mistakes because you might change digits you haven't processed yet.

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

Use addition to check: $ 5629 + 373 = 6002 $. If your addition gives you the original larger number, your subtraction is correct!

Q: What if I make a borrowing mistake?

Don't panic! Start over with the borrowing step. Write down each step clearly: 6002 → 5992, then subtract column by column. Practice makes perfect!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Each time we subtract 2 digits, and then we place

00:06 2 is less than 3

00:09 The tens digit is also equal to 0 so we can't borrow from it

00:12 The hundreds digit is also equal to 0 so we can't borrow from it

00:15 We'll borrow a thousand from the thousands for the hundreds

00:19 So now instead of 0, we'll have 10 in the hundreds!

00:22 And now we'll borrow ten from the hundreds for the tens

00:25 Which will turn the hundreds from 10 to 9

00:29 So now instead of 0, we'll have 10 in the tens!

00:32 And now we'll borrow ten from the tens for the ones

00:35 Which will turn the tens from 10 to 9

00:39 So now instead of 0, we'll have 10 in the ones!

00:45 Now we subtract ones from ones, and place in ones

00:49 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens

00:52 Subtract hundreds from hundreds, and place in hundreds

00:55 Place 0 in the missing digits

00:59 Subtract thousands from thousands, and place in thousands

01:04 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &6002 \\ -& \\ &~~373 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve $6002 - 373$ using the vertical subtraction method:

Step 1: Write the numbers in column form, ensuring they are aligned by place value: $\begin{array}{c} 6002 \\ -~~373 \\ \hline \end{array}$
Step 2: Subtract each digit starting from the right (units place). First, inspect the units place:
- We need to subtract 3 from 2. Since 3 > 2, we must borrow.
- Borrow 1 from 600 (next higher order, thousands in this case):
  - The result: Change 6002 to 5992.
- Now, subtract $12 - 3 = 9$ , in the units place.
$\begin{array}{c} 5992 \\ -~~373~~~ \\ \hline ~~~~~~9 \\ \end{array}$
Step 3: Move to the tens place:
- Subtract $9 - 7 = 2$ .
$\begin{array}{c} 5992 \\ -~~373~~~ \\ \hline ~~~29 \\ \end{array}$
Step 4: Move to the hundreds place:
- Subtract $9 - 3 = 6$ .
$\begin{array}{c} 5992 \\ -~~373~~~~ \\ \hline ~629 \\ \end{array}$
Step 5: Move to the thousands place:
- We have 5 remaining and no subtraction needed here.
- Therefore, the result is $5629$ .
$\begin{array}{c} 5992 \\ -~~373~~~ \\ \hline 5629 \\ \end{array}$

Therefore, the solution to $6002 - 373$ is $5629$ .

3

Final Answer

5629

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When top digit is smaller, borrow from next column
Technique: Change 6002 to 5992 when borrowing from thousands
Check: Add the answer back: 5629 + 373 = 6002 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to adjust all affected digits when borrowing
Don't just borrow 1 and forget to reduce the lending digit = wrong calculation! When you borrow from 6 in 6002, it becomes 5, and the 0s become 10s. Always adjust every digit involved in the borrowing chain.

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 do I need to borrow from the thousands place when there are zeros?

+

When you have zeros in the middle, you must borrow through all of them! The 6 in 6002 becomes 5, and each 0 becomes 9 until you reach the column where you actually need the extra 10.

How do I know which direction to borrow from?

+

Always borrow from the column to the left (the next higher place value). You can't borrow from smaller place values because they represent smaller amounts.

What happens to 6002 when I borrow for the units place?

+

It becomes 5992! The 6 becomes 5, both 0s become 9s, and the final 2 becomes 12 (which you write as 2 but think of as 12 for subtraction).

Can I subtract from left to right instead?

+

No, always work from right to left in subtraction! Starting from the left can lead to borrowing mistakes because you might change digits you haven't processed yet.

How can I check if my answer is correct?

+

Use addition to check: $5629 + 373 = 6002$ . If your addition gives you the original larger number, your subtraction is correct!

What if I make a borrowing mistake?

+

Don't panic! Start over with the borrowing step. Write down each step clearly: 6002 → 5992, then subtract column by column. Practice makes perfect!

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Solve Multi-digit Subtraction: 6002 minus 373

Multi-digit Subtraction with Borrowing

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