Subtract 125 from 178: Vertical Format Solution

Q: Why do I start subtracting from the right side?

We start from the units column (ones place) because that's how our number system works! If we need to borrow, it affects the column to the left, so we work right to left.

Q: What if the bottom number is bigger than the top number in a column?

You would need to borrow from the next column to the left! In this problem, all top digits are bigger, so no borrowing needed: 8 > 5, 7 > 2, 1 = 1.

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

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $ 53 + 125 = 178 $. If you get the original number, you're right!

Q: What's the best way to line up the numbers?

Put the larger number on topAlign the units digits (8 and 5)Make sure tens align with tens, hundreds with hundredsDraw a clear line under the bottom number

Basic Subtraction with Three-Digit Numbers

$\begin{aligned} &178 \\ -& \\ &125 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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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 calculate subtraction of 2 digits, and then we substitute

00:06 Let's start by subtracting ones with ones, and substitute in ones

00:09 Subtract tens with tens, and substitute in tens

00:15 Subtract hundreds with hundreds, and substitute in hundreds

00:19 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

$\begin{aligned} &178 \\ -& \\ &125 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

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

Step 1: Align the numbers 178 and 125 vertically by place value:
$\begin{array}{c} 178 \\ -125~~~ \\ \underline{\phantom{777}} \\ \end{array}$
Step 2: Subtract beginning with the units column on the right:
"8" minus "5" results in "3".
Step 3: Proceed to the tens column:
"7" minus "2" results in "5".
Step 4: Move to the hundreds column:
"1" minus "1" results in "0".

Therefore, the solution to the subtraction problem $178 - 125$ is $53$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up digits by place value columns carefully
Technique: Start from units column: 8 - 5 = 3
Check: Add the answer back: 53 + 125 = 178 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Misaligning place values when writing numbers
Don't just line up the numbers on the left side = wrong columns and calculations! This puts hundreds with tens or tens with units, giving completely wrong answers. Always align digits by their place value with units under units, 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

Why do I start subtracting from the right side?

We start from the units column (ones place) because that's how our number system works! If we need to borrow, it affects the column to the left, so we work right to left.

What if the bottom number is bigger than the top number in a column?

You would need to borrow from the next column to the left! In this problem, all top digits are bigger, so no borrowing needed: 8 > 5, 7 > 2, 1 = 1.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $53 + 125 = 178$ . If you get the original number, you're right!

Do I need to write the zero in the hundreds place?

No! When the hundreds column gives you 1 - 1 = 0, you don't write the leading zero. So 053 becomes just 53.

What's the best way to line up the numbers?

Put the larger number on top
Align the units digits (8 and 5)
Make sure tens align with tens, hundreds with hundreds
Draw a clear line under the bottom number

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