Subtract 855 from 4003: Vertical Format Multi-Digit Subtraction

Q: What do I do when there are zeros in the number I'm subtracting from?

When you need to borrow and encounter zeros, keep moving left until you find a non-zero digit. Then borrow from that digit and change all the zeros to 9s as you work back to your starting position.

Q: Why does borrowing through zeros seem so complicated?

It looks harder than it is! Think of it like exchanging money - you can't borrow from an empty pocket (zero), so you go to the next pocket with money. The zeros become 9s because that's what's left after lending.

Q: What's the easiest way to avoid mistakes with zeros?

Write out each step clearly and rewrite the problem after each borrowing step. For $ 4003 - 855 $, first change it to $ 3913 - 855 $ after borrowing, then subtract normally.

Q: Can I just ignore the zeros and subtract the other digits?

No! Every digit position matters in place value. Ignoring zeros will give you the wrong answer. You must work through the borrowing process step by step to maintain the correct place values.

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Each time consider borrowing 2 digits, and then place

00:06 3 is less than 5

00:09 The tens digit is also equal to 0 so we cannot borrow from it

00:12 The hundreds digit is also equal to 0 so we cannot borrow from it

00:15 We'll borrow a thousand from the thousands for the hundreds

00:19 So now instead of 0 we'll have 10, in hundreds!

00:22 And now we'll borrow ten from the hundreds for the tens

00:25 Which will turn the hundreds from 10 to 9

00:29 So now instead of 0 we'll have 10, in tens!

00:32 And now we'll borrow ten from the tens for the ones

00:35 Which will turn the tens from 10 to 9

00:39 So now instead of 0 we'll have 10, in ones!

00:44 Now subtract ones from ones, and place in ones

00:49 Subtract tens from tens, and place in tens

00:53 Subtract hundreds from hundreds, and place in hundreds

00:56 Place 0 in the missing digits

00:59 Subtract thousands from thousands, and place in thousands

01:03 And that's the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &4003 \\ -& \\ &~~855 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction problem $4003 - 855$ , we will perform the operation step-by-step, ensuring we manage the borrowing process correctly:

Step 1: Align the numbers for subtraction:
$4003$
$- 855$
It's important to start from the rightmost digit.
Step 2: Subtract the digits in the units place:
$3 - 5$ . Since 3 is less than 5, we need to borrow. There is nothing in the tens place to borrow, so we move to the hundreds.
Borrow 1 from the hundreds place (turning the 0 into a 9 in the tens place), and reborrow 1 from there. So, the new setup is:
$3$ becomes $13$ (in units place), $0$ becomes $9$ (in tens place), and reduce $0$ to $9$ in hundreds place.
Step 3: Perform the subtraction in the units place now:
$13 - 5 = 8$ , so write down 8.
Step 4: Move to the tens place:
$9 - 5 = 4$ , write down 4.
Step 5: Move to the hundreds place:
$9 - 8 = 1$ , write down 1.
Step 6: Finally, address the thousands place:
$3 - 0 = 3$ , write down 3.

The result of $4003 - 855$ is $3148$ .

The correct choice that matches this result is option 3: $3148$ .

3

Final Answer

3148

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Borrowing Rule: When subtracting from zero, borrow from the next higher place value
Technique: 4003 - 855: borrow from thousands to make 3913, then subtract normally
Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: 3148 + 855 = 4003 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to borrow when zeros are present
Don't try to subtract 5 from 3 without borrowing = negative digits that don't work! This happens when you ignore zeros in the middle positions. Always work systematically from right to left, borrowing through all zeros when needed.

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

What do I do when there are zeros in the number I'm subtracting from?

+

When you need to borrow and encounter zeros, keep moving left until you find a non-zero digit. Then borrow from that digit and change all the zeros to 9s as you work back to your starting position.

Why does borrowing through zeros seem so complicated?

+

It looks harder than it is! Think of it like exchanging money - you can't borrow from an empty pocket (zero), so you go to the next pocket with money. The zeros become 9s because that's what's left after lending.

How can I check if my borrowing was done correctly?

+

After borrowing, make sure each digit you're subtracting from is larger than or equal to the digit you're subtracting. If you see any negative results, you need to borrow more!

What's the easiest way to avoid mistakes with zeros?

+

Write out each step clearly and rewrite the problem after each borrowing step. For $4003 - 855$ , first change it to $3913 - 855$ after borrowing, then subtract normally.

Can I just ignore the zeros and subtract the other digits?

+

No! Every digit position matters in place value. Ignoring zeros will give you the wrong answer. You must work through the borrowing process step by step to maintain the correct place values.

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Subtract 855 from 4003: Vertical Format Multi-Digit Subtraction

Multi-Digit Subtraction with Zero Borrowing

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