Solve Vertical Subtraction: 49 minus 31 Step-by-Step

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

4931776 \begin{aligned} &49 \\ -& \\ &31 \\ &\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 calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then substitute
00:06 Let's start by subtracting ones from ones, and substitute in ones
00:10 Subtract tens from tens, and substitute in tens
00:13 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

4931776 \begin{aligned} &49 \\ -& \\ &31 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction problem by vertically aligning the numbers, we will work as follows:

  • Step 1: Write the numbers vertically aligning by place value.
    4931   7600 \begin{array}{c} 49 \\ -31~~~\\ \underline{\phantom{7600}} \\ \end{array}

  • Step 2: Start subtracting from the units column (rightmost).
    Subtract the units digit: 91=8 9 - 1 = 8 .

  • Step 3: Move to the tens column.
    Subtract the tens digit: 43=1 4 - 3 = 1 .

The subtraction gives us a result.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 18 18 .

3

Final Answer

18

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Line up numbers by place value (ones under ones)
  • Technique: Start from rightmost column: 9 - 1 = 8
  • Check: Add your answer to the subtrahend: 18 + 31 = 49 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning place values
    Don't write numbers without lining up place values correctly = wrong column subtractions! This leads to errors like subtracting 4 - 1 instead of 4 - 3. 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

Which column do I start subtracting from first?

+

Always start from the rightmost column (ones place) and work your way left. This is the standard procedure for vertical subtraction!

What if I can't subtract because the top number is smaller?

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When the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, you need to borrow from the next column to the left. But in this problem 9>1 9 > 1 and 4>3 4 > 3 , so no borrowing needed!

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

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Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 18+31=49 18 + 31 = 49 . If you get the original number, you're correct!

Why do we align numbers vertically instead of side by side?

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Vertical alignment helps you subtract corresponding place values correctly. Ones subtract from ones, tens from tens, and so on. This prevents place value errors!

What does the line under the numbers mean?

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The horizontal line shows where to write your answer. It separates the problem from the solution, just like in addition problems!

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