Solve Vertical Subtraction: 48 minus 7

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

48  7776 \begin{aligned} &48 \\ -& \\ &~~7 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Each time we'll calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then substitute
00:06 We'll start by subtracting ones from ones, and place in ones position
00:09 Place 0 in the missing digits
00:13 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens position
00:16 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

48  7776 \begin{aligned} &48 \\ -& \\ &~~7 \\ &\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 by place value.

  • Step 2: Subtract the units place.

  • Step 3: Subtract the tens place if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Write the numbers 48 and 7 in columns where the digits (ones place) are aligned: 48 7\begin{array}{c} 48 \\ -~7 \\ \end{array} Step 2: Subtract the units (8 - 7 = 1) and write the result in the units position.
Step 3: The tens place after subtraction is unchanged because there is no borrowing needed, so the 4 from 48 stays as 4.
Thus, we have: 48 7  41 \begin{array}{c} 48 \\ -~7 ~~\\ \underline{41} \end{array}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 41.

3

Final Answer

41

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Line up digits by place value in columns
  • Technique: Subtract ones place first: 8 - 7 = 1
  • Check: Add your answer to the subtrahend: 41 + 7 = 48 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning digits by place value
    Don't write 7 under the 4 instead of under the 8 = wrong place values! This makes you subtract 4 - 7, which creates confusion and incorrect borrowing. Always align ones under ones and tens under tens.

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 need to line up the digits vertically?

+

Proper alignment ensures you subtract like place values - ones from ones, tens from tens. When digits aren't aligned correctly, you end up subtracting different place values, which gives wrong answers.

What if the bottom number is smaller than the top number in a column?

+

In this problem, 8 is larger than 7, so no borrowing is needed. When the bottom digit is larger, you would need to borrow from the next column to the left.

Do I always start subtracting from the right?

+

Yes! Always start with the ones place (rightmost column) and work your way left. This ensures proper borrowing if needed and maintains place value order.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

+

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer (41) to the number you subtracted (7). If you get the original number (48), your subtraction is correct: 41 + 7 = 48 ✓

What does the line under the subtraction problem mean?

+

The horizontal line separates the problem from the answer. Write your final result below this line after completing all subtraction steps.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Arithmetic Operations questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations