Solve Vertical Subtraction: 25 Minus 24 Step-by-Step

Q: Why do I start with the units column instead of the tens column?

In subtraction, we always work from right to left (units to tens). This follows the same pattern as addition and helps when you need to borrow from the next column.

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

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 1 + 24 = 25. If you get the original number, you're right!

Q: What if I accidentally subtract 25 - 4 and 2 - 2 separately?

That's not vertical subtraction! You must subtract column by column: units digit from units digit (5 - 4) and tens digit from tens digit (2 - 2).

Q: Do I always need to show the zero in my final answer?

No! When the result has a zero in the leftmost position (like 01), we write it as just 1. Leading zeros aren't needed in final answers.

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

$\begin{aligned} &25 \\ -& \\ &24 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Let's solve this problem together.

00:06 For each step, we'll subtract one digit from another.

00:10 First, subtract the ones place and write your answer there.

00:15 Next, do the same for the tens place.

00:18 And that's how you solve it! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &25 \\ -& \\ &24 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this vertical subtraction problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Align the numbers vertically. Place the number 25 over the number 24, ensuring the digits are in the correct columns (tens and units).
Step 2: Subtract the units (rightmost) digits first. In this case, subtract 4 from 5.
$5 - 4 = 1$
Step 3: Subtract the tens digits. In this case, subtract 2 from 2.
$2 - 2 = 0$

Now write the result of the subtraction in each column below the line. The units column has 1, and the tens column has 0, resulting in the final answer.

Therefore, the solution to the subtraction $25 - 24$ is $1$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Stack numbers with digits in correct place value columns
Technique: Start from units column: 5 - 4 = 1
Check: Add result back to verify: 1 + 24 = 25 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Mixing up the order of subtraction
Don't subtract the larger number from the smaller one in each column = wrong answer! This reverses the subtraction direction and gives incorrect results. Always subtract the bottom number from the top number in each column.

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 start with the units column instead of the tens column?

In subtraction, we always work from right to left (units to tens). This follows the same pattern as addition and helps when you need to borrow from the next column.

What happens when the tens column gives me 0?

When subtracting equal digits like 2 - 2 = 0, the zero in the tens place means your answer is a single-digit number. So $25 - 24 = 1$ , not 01!

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 1 + 24 = 25. If you get the original number, you're right!

What if I accidentally subtract 25 - 4 and 2 - 2 separately?

That's not vertical subtraction! You must subtract column by column: units digit from units digit (5 - 4) and tens digit from tens digit (2 - 2).

Do I always need to show the zero in my final answer?

No! When the result has a zero in the leftmost position (like 01), we write it as just 1. Leading zeros aren't needed in final answers.

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