Solve Vertical Subtraction: 988 minus 78

Vertical Subtraction with Three-Digit Numbers

988  78776 \begin{aligned} &988 \\ -& \\ &~~78 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Let's solve the problem together.
00:07 First, subtract each pair of digits carefully.
00:11 Start with the ones place. Subtract the ones, and write the result in the ones column.
00:17 Next, move to the tens place. Subtract the tens and place the result in the tens column.
00:23 If a digit is missing, just write zero in that spot.
00:27 Finally, subtract the hundreds and place the answer in the hundreds column.
00:32 And there you have it! We've solved the problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

988  78776 \begin{aligned} &988 \\ -& \\ &~~78 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of subtracting 78 from 988 using vertical subtraction, follow these steps:

Step 1: Write the numbers vertically, aligning by place values:
988 078    7760 \begin{array}{c} 988 \\ -~078~~~~ \\ \underline{\phantom{7760}} \end{array}

Step 2: Start the subtraction from the rightmost column (the ones place). Subtract 8 from 8 to get 0.

Step 3: Move to the tens column. The numbers are 8 - 7. This gives us 1.

Step 4: Move to the hundreds column. The numbers are 9 - 0. This gives us 9.

The result of the subtraction is:

988 078    910 \begin{array}{c} 988 \\ -~078~~~~ \\ \overline{910} \end{array}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 910 910 .

3

Final Answer

910

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Stack numbers by place value with ones column rightmost
  • Technique: Subtract column by column from right to left: 8-8=0, 8-7=1, 9-0=9
  • Check: Add your answer to the smaller number: 910 + 78 = 988 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning place values when setting up the problem
    Don't write 78 directly under 988 without proper alignment = wrong column subtraction! This causes you to subtract from wrong digits and get incorrect answers like 900. Always align the ones digits in the rightmost column first.

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 write 078 instead of just 78?

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Writing 078 helps you see that there's a zero in the hundreds place of 78. This makes it clear that you're subtracting 0 from 9 in the hundreds column, giving you 9.

What if I need to borrow in vertical subtraction?

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When the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, you borrow from the next column to the left. This problem doesn't require borrowing since 8≥8, 8≥7, and 9≥0.

How can I check my subtraction answer?

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Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 910 + 78. If you get the original number (988), your answer is correct!

Do I always start from the right when subtracting?

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Yes, always start from the ones place! Just like addition, subtraction follows place value order. Starting from the left can lead to borrowing mistakes.

What does the line under the problem mean?

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The horizontal line separates the problem from the answer, just like an equals sign. Write your final answer below this line after completing all column subtractions.

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