Solve Vertical Subtraction: 234 minus 26 Step-by-Step

Q: When do I need to borrow in subtraction?

You need to borrow whenever the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any column. In this problem, 4

Q: What happens to the digit I borrow from?

The digit you borrow from gets reduced by 1. In our example, when we borrow 1 from the tens place digit 3, it becomes 2. This is crucial for getting the right answer!

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

Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get back to your starting number, you're right! $ 208 + 26 = 234 $ ✓

Q: What if I need to borrow from zero?

When borrowing from 0, you need to keep borrowing left until you find a non-zero digit. Change that digit to 9s as you move right, then complete your borrowing.

Q: Can I subtract from left to right instead?

No! Always subtract from right to left (units, then tens, then hundreds). This ensures borrowing works correctly when you need it.

Q: Why does borrowing work?

Borrowing works because 10 ones = 1 ten. When we borrow 1 ten and convert it to 10 ones, we're not changing the total value, just regrouping it for easier subtraction.

Vertical Subtraction with Borrowing

$\begin{aligned} &234 \\ -& \\ &~~26 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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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 subtracting 2 digits, and then we place

00:06 4 is less than 6

00:09 Therefore we subtract 1 from the tens and add this amount to the ones

00:14 So now instead of 4 we will have 14

00:18 We subtract the ones from the ones plus ten

00:21 Place in the ones

00:24 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens

00:27 Place 0 in the missing digits

00:30 Subtract hundreds from hundreds, and place in hundreds

00:33 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

$\begin{aligned} &234 \\ -& \\ &~~26 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction problem $234 - 26$ using vertical subtraction, we follow these steps:

Step 1: Align the numbers by place value.
234
- 26
$\underline{\phantom{776}}$
Step 2: Subtract the digits starting from the right (units place):
- Subtract the digits in the units place: Since $4 < 6$ , we need to borrow. Borrow 1 from the tens place of 234 (making the tens digit 2 into 1), turn 4 into 14 in the units place.
- Now, $14 - 6 = 8$ .
Step 3: Move to the tens place:
- Because we borrowed 1, the top digit in the tens column is now 2 (originally 3, but reduced to 2 because we borrowed 1 for the units place).
- Subtract the digits in the tens place: $2 - 2 = 0$ .
Step 4: Move to the hundreds place:
The hundreds place is straightforward as there's no borrowing involved and the top digit is still 2, so $2 - 0 = 2$ .

Putting it all together, the calculation becomes:
$234$
$- 26$
$\underline{208}$

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\textbf{208}$ .

Final Answer

208

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When top digit is smaller, borrow from left column
Technique: Convert 4 to 14 by borrowing 1 from tens place
Check: Add answer to subtrahend: 208 + 26 = 234 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to reduce the borrowed-from digit
Don't borrow from the tens place without changing 3 to 2 = wrong calculation! When you borrow 1 from the tens place (3), it becomes 2, not stays 3. Always reduce the digit you borrowed from by 1.

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

When do I need to borrow in subtraction?

You need to borrow whenever the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any column. In this problem, 4 < 6 in the units place, so we borrow from the tens place.

What happens to the digit I borrow from?

The digit you borrow from gets reduced by 1. In our example, when we borrow 1 from the tens place digit 3, it becomes 2. This is crucial for getting the right answer!

How do I check if my subtraction is correct?

Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get back to your starting number, you're right! $208 + 26 = 234$ ✓

What if I need to borrow from zero?

When borrowing from 0, you need to keep borrowing left until you find a non-zero digit. Change that digit to 9s as you move right, then complete your borrowing.

Can I subtract from left to right instead?

No! Always subtract from right to left (units, then tens, then hundreds). This ensures borrowing works correctly when you need it.

Why does borrowing work?

Borrowing works because 10 ones = 1 ten. When we borrow 1 ten and convert it to 10 ones, we're not changing the total value, just regrouping it for easier subtraction.

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