Solve Vertical Subtraction: Finding the Difference Between 39 and 6

Vertical Subtraction with Two-Digit Numbers

39  6776 \begin{aligned} &39 \\ -& \\ &~~6 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:02 Let's solve this problem step by step.
00:06 First, subtract each pair of digits and replace them in the solution.
00:10 Start by subtracting the ones digits. Place your result in the ones.
00:15 Fill any missing digits with zero.
00:18 Now, subtract the tens digits and place the result in the tens.
00:23 And that's how you solve the problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

39  6776 \begin{aligned} &39 \\ -& \\ &~~6 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Write the numbers vertically, with each digit aligned in their respective place value.

  • Step 2: Begin subtracting starting from the rightmost column.

  • Step 3: Move to the left, repeating the process for each subsequent column until finished.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Arrange the numbers vertically, aligning according to the decimal place.
39
- 6
-----
Step 2: Start subtracting from the right. Subtract the ones place: 96=39 - 6 = 3.
39
- 6
-----
3
Step 3: Since there is no need to borrow, move to the tens place:
The tens place comprises '3' from '39', as there is no corresponding digit above '6' to subtract from: 30=33 - 0 = 3.
39
- 6
-----
33

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 33 33 .

3

Final Answer

33

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Line up digits by place value in vertical columns
  • Technique: Subtract ones first: 96=39 - 6 = 3, then tens column
  • Check: Add result to smaller number: 33+6=3933 + 6 = 39

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning digits by place value
    Don't line up 39 and 6 by the left edge = wrong subtraction setup! This puts 6 in the tens place instead of ones, giving 33 - 60 which is impossible. Always align digits by their place value positions with ones under ones.

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 start subtracting from the right side?

+

We start from the ones place (rightmost) because that's how our number system works! Just like when you count, you go ones, tens, hundreds from right to left.

What if there's no digit above the bottom number?

+

When there's no digit above (like no tens digit above the 6), treat it as zero. So 3 - 0 = 3 in the tens place.

How do I know I lined up the numbers correctly?

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Make sure the rightmost digits are directly above and below each other. The ones place should always line up first, then tens, then hundreds.

Can I subtract the bigger number from the smaller one?

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In this problem, we subtract 6 from 39, not the other way around. Always subtract the bottom number from the top number in vertical subtraction.

What's the easiest way to check my answer?

+

Add your answer to the number you subtracted: 33+633 + 6. If you get the original number (39), you're correct!

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