Solve Vertical Subtraction: 56 minus 5 Step-by-Step

Q: Why do I need to line up the numbers vertically?

Vertical alignment helps you subtract the correct place values. When numbers aren't lined up properly, you might subtract tens from ones or make other place value errors!

Q: What if there's nothing to subtract in the tens column?

That's easy! Just bring down the digit from the top number. In this case, since there's no tens digit in 5, we simply write down the 5 from 56.

Q: How do I know where to put the single digit 5?

Always place single digits in the ones column. Since 5 = 05, it goes under the 6 in 56, not under the first 5!

Q: Can I do this problem horizontally instead?

Yes, you can calculate $56 - 5 = 51$ horizontally, but vertical format is great practice for harder problems with borrowing!

Q: How can I check if my answer is right?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $51 + 5$. If you get the original number (56), you're correct!

Vertical Subtraction with Single-Digit Numbers

$\begin{aligned} &56 \\ -& \\ &~~5 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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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

00:09 Put 0 in the missing digits

00:13 Subtract tens from tens, and substitute in tens

00:16 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &56 \\ -& \\ &~~5 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's use a methodical approach as follows:

Step 1: Write the numbers in a vertical format, aligning the digits by place value.
Step 2: Subtract the ones digit: $6$ (from $56$ ) minus $5$ equals $1$ .
Step 3: Bring down the tens digit since we are not subtracting anything from it: $5$ .

In detail:

Align the numbers vertically, with the larger number on top:
$\begin{array}{r} 56 \\ - \phantom{400}5 \\ \hline \end{array}$
Subtract the digits in the ones column. The ones digit in $56$ is $6$ and the ones digit in $5$ is $5$ . Subtract $5$ from $6$ to get $1$ .
Since there are no numbers to subtract from the tens column of the first number, write down the $5$ from $56$ .

The result of the vertical subtraction is thus:
$\begin{array}{r} 56 \\ - \phantom{400}5 \\ \hline 51 \\ \end{array}$

Therefore, the solution to this problem is $51$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Place smaller number directly below corresponding place values
Technique: Subtract ones first: $6 - 5 = 1$ , then bring down tens digit
Check: Verify by addition: $51 + 5 = 56$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Misaligning digits by place value
Don't place the 5 under the tens column of 56 = wrong subtraction setup! This leads to subtracting from the wrong digits and getting incorrect answers. Always align single digits under the ones column of the larger number.

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 need to line up the numbers vertically?

Vertical alignment helps you subtract the correct place values. When numbers aren't lined up properly, you might subtract tens from ones or make other place value errors!

What if there's nothing to subtract in the tens column?

That's easy! Just bring down the digit from the top number. In this case, since there's no tens digit in 5, we simply write down the 5 from 56.

How do I know where to put the single digit 5?

Always place single digits in the ones column. Since 5 = 05, it goes under the 6 in 56, not under the first 5!

Can I do this problem horizontally instead?

Yes, you can calculate $56 - 5 = 51$ horizontally, but vertical format is great practice for harder problems with borrowing!

How can I check if my answer is right?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $51 + 5$ . If you get the original number (56), you're correct!

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