Solve Vertical Subtraction: 157 minus 4 Step-by-Step

Basic Subtraction with Place Value Alignment

157    4776 \begin{aligned} &157 \\ -& \\ &~~~~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 we calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then we substitute
00:06 We'll start by subtracting ones from ones, and substitute in ones
00:09 We'll put 0 in the missing digits
00:12 We'll subtract tens from tens, and substitute in tens
00:15 We'll subtract hundreds from hundreds, and substitute in hundreds
00:18 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

157    4776 \begin{aligned} &157 \\ -& \\ &~~~~4 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the basic vertical subtraction problem where we subtract 4 from 157 step by step:

  • Step 1: Write the numbers in a vertical format, ensuring to align them by place values.
    157 4776 \begin{array}{c} 157 \\ -\ 4 \\ \underline{\phantom{776}} \\ \end{array}

  • Step 2: Perform subtraction starting from the rightmost digit (the ones place).
    - Subtract 4 from 7 in the ones column, resulting in 3.

  • Step 3: Since the number being subtracted, 4, has no digit in the tens and hundreds places, bring down the remaining digits from 157. These are 5 in the tens place and 1 in the hundreds place.

Thus, the result of subtracting 4 from 157 is 153153.

Among the options provided, choice 2 is the correct answer, which states 153.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 153 153 .

3

Final Answer

153

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Line up numbers by place value before subtracting
  • Technique: Start from ones place: 7 - 4 = 3
  • Check: Add your answer to subtracted number: 153 + 4 = 157 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not aligning numbers by place value
    Don't just line up numbers from left to right = wrong subtraction! This misaligns place values and gives incorrect results. Always align the ones place, tens place, and hundreds place vertically.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \begin{aligned} &97 \\ -& \\ &63 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned} \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to align the numbers vertically?

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Aligning by place value ensures you're subtracting ones from ones, tens from tens, etc. Without proper alignment, you might subtract from the wrong digits!

What do I do when the bottom number has fewer digits?

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Just bring down the remaining digits from the top number! In 157 - 4, the 1 and 5 have nothing to subtract from them, so they stay the same.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

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Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number back, you're right: 153+4=157 153 + 4 = 157

Do I always start subtracting from the right?

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Yes, always start from the ones place (rightmost column) and work your way left. This follows the standard subtraction algorithm and prevents errors.

What if I need to borrow in subtraction?

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In this problem, you don't need to borrow since 7 > 4. But when the top digit is smaller, you borrow from the next column to make subtraction possible!

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