Solve Vertical Subtraction: 478 minus 2

Vertical Subtraction with Single-Digit Numbers

478    2776 \begin{aligned} &478 \\ -& \\ &~~~~2 \\ &\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 Let's start by subtracting ones from ones, and substitute in ones
00:09 Put 0 in the missing digits
00:12 Subtract tens from tens, and substitute in tens
00:15 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

478    2776 \begin{aligned} &478 \\ -& \\ &~~~~2 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the subtraction problem by following these steps:

First, align the numbers vertically:

478    2776 \begin{aligned} &478 \\ -& \\ &~~~~2 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

Starting with the rightmost digits:

  • In the units place, subtract 22 from 88: 82=68 - 2 = 6.
  • Since there are no other digits from the subtrahend, bring down the remaining digits as they are.

This results in:

476 \begin{aligned} &476 \\ \end{aligned}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 476476.

3

Final Answer

476

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Place digits in correct columns based on place value
  • Technique: Start from rightmost column: 8 - 2 = 6
  • Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: 476 + 2 = 478 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning the subtrahend digits
    Don't place the 2 under the tens or hundreds place = wrong column subtraction! This changes which digits you're actually subtracting and gives completely wrong answers. Always align digits by place value, putting the 2 under the units column.

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 I put the 2 under the 8 and not the 7?

+

Because place value matters! The number 2 represents 2 units, so it must go in the units column under the 8. If you put it under the 7 (tens place), you'd be subtracting 20 instead of 2.

What happens to the other digits when I subtract?

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When subtracting a smaller number from a larger one, bring down any digits that don't have a corresponding digit to subtract. The 4 and 7 in 478 stay the same because there's nothing to subtract from them.

How can I check if 476 is the right answer?

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Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to what you subtracted: 476+2=478 476 + 2 = 478 . If you get the original number, your answer is correct.

Is this the same as 478 - 2 written horizontally?

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Yes! 4782=476 478 - 2 = 476 whether written horizontally or vertically. The vertical format just helps you keep track of place values more easily, especially with larger numbers.

What if the bottom number was bigger, like 478 - 9?

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Then you'd need to borrow from the tens place! You'd change the 8 to 18, subtract 9 to get 9, and reduce the 7 to 6. But in this problem, 8 > 2, so no borrowing needed.

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