Solve Vertical Subtraction: 47 minus 29

Vertical Subtraction with Borrowing

4729776 \begin{aligned} &47 \\ -& \\ &29 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Let's solve the subtraction problem.
00:07 First, think of subtracting two numbers at a time.
00:11 See, seven is less than nine.
00:14 So, we need to borrow. Reduce the tens place by one and give it to the ones place.
00:20 Now, seven becomes seventeen.
00:23 Subtract the smaller number from seventeen. Place the answer in the ones spot.
00:28 Next, subtract the tens' numbers. Place the result in the tens position.
00:34 And finally, that's how we solve this subtraction!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

4729776 \begin{aligned} &47 \\ -& \\ &29 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Align the numbers vertically, ensuring the ones and tens digits are in the correct columns.
  • Step 2: Subtract starting from the ones place, and if needed, borrow from the tens place.
  • Step 3: Subtract the tens place.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Write the numbers vertically:
4729\begin{array}{c} 47 \\ - 29 \\ \end{array}

Step 2: Start with the ones place: Subtract 9 from 7. Since 7 is less than 9, we will borrow 1 from the tens column, making 7 become 17 in the ones place and reducing the 4 in the tens place to 3:

- Subtract 17 - 9 = 8

Step 3: Now, move to the tens place. Since we borrowed 1, adjust the tens place. Subtract 2 from 3:
- Subtract 3 - 2 = 1

So, writing the subtraction in full gives us:

472918\begin{array}{c} 47 \\ - 29 \\ \hline 18 \\ \end{array}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 18.

3

Final Answer

18

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Stack ones above ones, tens above tens for accuracy
  • Borrowing: When 7 < 9, borrow 1 from tens: 17 - 9 = 8
  • Check: Add result to subtrahend: 18 + 29 = 47 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to adjust the tens digit after borrowing
    Don't keep the tens digit unchanged after borrowing = wrong answer! When you borrow 1 from tens, that digit becomes smaller (4 becomes 3). Always reduce the tens digit by 1 after borrowing from it.

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 can't I just subtract 9 from 7 directly?

+

You cannot subtract a larger number from a smaller one in basic arithmetic! When the top digit is smaller, you must borrow from the next column to make subtraction possible.

What does borrowing actually mean?

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Borrowing means taking 1 from the next column (worth 10 in the current column). So 7 becomes 17, and the tens digit decreases by 1. It's like trading a 10billforten10 bill for ten 1 bills!

How do I remember to change the tens digit?

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Think of it as a two-step process: First, cross out the tens digit and write the new smaller number above it. Second, add 10 to the ones digit. This visual reminder helps you not forget!

What if I need to borrow from zero?

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When borrowing from 0, you need to borrow from the next column first. The 0 becomes 10, then you borrow 1 from that to get 9, and continue the borrowing process.

How can I check my subtraction answer?

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Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number (47), your subtraction is correct: 18 + 29 = 47 ✓

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