Solve Vertical Subtraction: 74 Minus 72 Step-by-Step

Q: What if the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit?

When the top digit is smaller, you need to borrow from the next column to the left. This is called regrouping, but it's not needed in this problem since 4 > 2 and 7 = 7.

Q: Why do we get 02 instead of just 2?

Great observation! When the tens place result is 0, we don't write the leading zero in our final answer. So 02 becomes simply 2.

Q: How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 2 + 72 = 74. If you get the original top number, you're right!

Q: Do I always start from the right column?

Yes! Always start with the ones place (rightmost column) and work left to the tens, hundreds, and so on. This matches how we naturally count and helps with borrowing if needed.

Q: What does the line under the numbers mean?

The horizontal line means "subtract everything above this line". It's like an equals sign in subtraction - your answer goes below this line.

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

$\begin{aligned} &74 \\ -& \\ &72 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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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 subtract 2 digits, and then we place

00:06 We'll start by subtracting ones from ones, and place in ones

00:10 We subtract tens from tens, and place 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

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &74 \\ -& \\ &72 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll perform vertical subtraction:

Step 1: Align the two numbers, 74 and 72, vertically with their place values:

$\begin{aligned} & 74 \\ -& \\ & 72 \\ \end{aligned}$

Step 2: Subtract the digits in the units column (rightmost column):
$4 - 2 = 2$
Step 3: Subtract the digits in the tens column:
$7 - 7 = 0$

Therefore, the result of the subtraction is $\boxed{2}$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Stack numbers vertically by matching place value columns
Technique: Subtract column by column from right to left: 4 - 2 = 2, then 7 - 7 = 0
Check: Add your answer to the subtrahend: 2 + 72 = 74 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Mixing up the order of numbers when subtracting
Don't subtract the larger number from the smaller in each column! This leads to negative results or wrong answers. Always subtract the bottom digit from the top digit in vertical subtraction.

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

What if the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit?

When the top digit is smaller, you need to borrow from the next column to the left. This is called regrouping, but it's not needed in this problem since 4 > 2 and 7 = 7.

Why do we get 02 instead of just 2?

Great observation! When the tens place result is 0, we don't write the leading zero in our final answer. So 02 becomes simply 2.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 2 + 72 = 74. If you get the original top number, you're right!

Do I always start from the right column?

Yes! Always start with the ones place (rightmost column) and work left to the tens, hundreds, and so on. This matches how we naturally count and helps with borrowing if needed.

What does the line under the numbers mean?

The horizontal line means "subtract everything above this line". It's like an equals sign in subtraction - your answer goes below this line.

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