Solve Vertical Subtraction: 15 Minus 4 Step-by-Step

Q: Why do we start with the ones column first?

We always subtract from right to left because if you need to borrow, you borrow from the next column over. Starting with ones prevents confusion!

Q: What if the bottom number is bigger than the top number in a column?

Then you need to borrow from the next column! Take 10 from the tens place and add it to the ones place. In this problem, we didn't need to borrow since $ 5 > 4 $.

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

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number, you're right: $ 11 + 4 = 15 $ ✓

Q: Do I always need to write the problem vertically?

Vertical format helps you align place values correctly and makes borrowing easier to see. It's the safest method for multi-digit subtraction!

Q: What does the line under the numbers mean?

The horizontal line means "answer below". Everything above the line is your problem setup, and your final answer goes below the line.

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

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

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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 calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then substitute

00:06 Let's start by subtracting ones from ones

00:09 Substitute in ones

00:12 Put 0 in the missing digits

00:15 Subtract tens from tens

00:18 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

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

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll perform simple vertical subtraction for the numbers given, 15 and 4:

Step-by-step solution:

Step 1: Write the numbers in a column, aligning the digits according to place value.
Step 2: Start subtracting from the rightmost column (the ones column).
In the ones column, subtract 4 from 5: $5 - 4 = 1$ .
Step 3: Move to the tens column. There is no subtraction to perform here since it's only $1 - 0$ , which leaves the digit as is.

Thus, there is no borrowing needed because the digits in the minuend are sufficient to carry out the subtraction.

The result of the subtraction $15 - 4$ is $11$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $11$ .

The correct multiple-choice answer is option 1: $11$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up numbers by place value in columns
Technique: Subtract ones first: $5 - 4 = 1$ , then tens
Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: $11 + 4 = 15$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Misaligning place values
Don't write numbers without lining up ones under ones and tens under tens = wrong calculations! This causes you to subtract from the wrong digits. Always align numbers by place value in neat columns.

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 we start with the ones column first?

We always subtract from right to left because if you need to borrow, you borrow from the next column over. Starting with ones prevents confusion!

What if the bottom number is bigger than the top number in a column?

Then you need to borrow from the next column! Take 10 from the tens place and add it to the ones place. In this problem, we didn't need to borrow since $5 > 4$ .

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number, you're right: $11 + 4 = 15$ ✓

Do I always need to write the problem vertically?

Vertical format helps you align place values correctly and makes borrowing easier to see. It's the safest method for multi-digit subtraction!

What does the line under the numbers mean?

The horizontal line means "answer below". Everything above the line is your problem setup, and your final answer goes below the line.

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