Subtract 356 from 542: Column Method Practice Problem

Q: Why can't I just subtract 6 from 2 in the ones place?

You cannot subtract a larger number from a smaller number in regular subtraction! When the top digit is smaller, you must borrow from the next place value to make it bigger.

Q: What does borrowing actually mean?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the next place value and adding 10 to your current digit. For example, borrowing 1 ten gives you 10 ones, so 2 becomes 12.

Q: What if I need to borrow from multiple places?

Work from right to left, one place at a time. In this problem, you borrowed from tens to ones first, then from hundreds to tens. Take it step by step!

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

Add your answer to the number you subtracted! $ 186 + 356 = 542 $. If you get the original top number, your answer is right!

Column Subtraction with Borrowing

$\begin{aligned} &542 \\ -& \\ &356\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve this problem together.

00:09 Look at each pair of digits, starting from the right.

00:13 Two is smaller than six.

00:16 So, we need to borrow one from the tens place.

00:20 Now, we have twelve instead of two.

00:24 Subtract the lower digit from twelve.

00:27 Write the answer in the ones place.

00:33 Three is smaller than five.

00:37 Borrow one from the hundreds to make the tens thirteen.

00:43 Now, subtract from thirteen.

00:47 Write that number in the tens place.

00:51 Finally, subtract the hundreds and write your answer.

00:55 Place the result in the hundreds place.

00:59 Great job! That's how we find the answer.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &542 \\ -& \\ &356\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To begin solving the subtraction $542 - 356$ , we will break it down step by step:

Step 1: Subtract the units digit
- The units digits are 2 (from 542) and 6 (from 356).
- Since 2 is smaller than 6, we need to borrow 1 ten from the tens place, changing it from 40 to 30 (of the minuend).
- The borrowed 10 changes the 2 to 12: $12 - 6 = 6$ .
Step 2: Subtract the tens digit
- Now the tens digit is 3 (originally 4 but reduced to 3 due to borrowing) minus 5.
- We need to borrow 1 hundred (from 5 hundreds), which changes it to 4 hundreds, making the tens digit 13.
- Calculate $13 - 5 = 8$ .
Step 3: Subtract the hundreds digit
- The hundreds digit is 4 (from the previous borrow) minus 3 from the subtrahend.
- Calculate $4 - 3 = 1$ .

Thus, combining all these, we obtain the result of the subtraction: $186$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $186$ .

Final Answer

186

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When top digit is smaller, borrow from next place
Technique: Change 542 to 4-3-12 when borrowing: 12-6=6
Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: 186+356=542 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to reduce the borrowed digit
Don't borrow 1 from the tens place but keep it as 4 = wrong calculation! When you borrow 1 from 4 tens, it becomes 3 tens, not 4. Always reduce the digit you borrowed from by 1.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\begin{aligned} &15 \\ -& \\ &~~4 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 6 from 2 in the ones place?

You cannot subtract a larger number from a smaller number in regular subtraction! When the top digit is smaller, you must borrow from the next place value to make it bigger.

What does borrowing actually mean?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the next place value and adding 10 to your current digit. For example, borrowing 1 ten gives you 10 ones, so 2 becomes 12.

How do I keep track of all the borrowing?

Write small numbers above to show your changes! Cross out the original digit and write the new smaller number above it. This helps you remember what you've borrowed.

What if I need to borrow from multiple places?

Work from right to left, one place at a time. In this problem, you borrowed from tens to ones first, then from hundreds to tens. Take it step by step!

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Add your answer to the number you subtracted! $186 + 356 = 542$ . If you get the original top number, your answer is right!

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