Subtract 937 from 5004: Step-by-Step Solution Guide

Subtraction with Borrowing Across Multiple Zeros

5004  937776 \begin{aligned} &5004 \\ -& \\ &~~937 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

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1

Understand the problem

5004  937776 \begin{aligned} &5004 \\ -& \\ &~~937 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}

2

Step-by-step solution

We need to subtract 937 from 5004 using vertical subtraction. Let’s break this down step-by-step, especially focusing on borrowing across zeros:

Step 1: Set up the numbers for subtraction.
Write 5004 above 937, aligning them to the right so the units, tens, hundreds, and thousands digits line up:

5004937\begin{array}{c} & 5 & 0 & 0 & 4 \\ - & & 9 & 3 & 7 \\ \hline & & & & \\ \end{array}

Step 2: Start subtracting from the rightmost digits.
Begin with the units column:

  • Units column: Subtract 7 from 4. Since 4 is less than 7, we need to borrow.
  • Borrow 1 from the tens column. However, tens column has a 0, so we must go left of these zeros:
    • Hundreds column has 0, so borrow 1 from the hundreds column to make it 10, then the hundreds are reduced to 9. The tens will become 10 (and then get reduced to 9 when passing), and when borrowing:
  • Units column: Now, 14 – 7 = 7.

Our subtraction may look as follows:

499149377\begin{array}{c} & 4 & 9 & 9 & 14 \\ - & & 9 & 3 & 7 \\ \hline & & & & 7 \\ \end{array}

Step 3: Move to the tens column.
Subtract 3 from 9. Result is 6.

4991493767\begin{array}{c} & 4 & 9 & 9 & 14 \\ - & & 9 & 3 & 7 \\ \hline & & & 6 & 7 \\ \end{array}

Step 4: Move to the hundreds column.
Subtract 9 from 9. Result is 0.

49914937067\begin{array}{c} & 4 & 9 & 9 & 14 \\ - & & 9 & 3 & 7 \\ \hline & & 0 & 6 & 7 \\ \end{array}

Step 5: Move to the thousands column.
Here we have 4, and there’s no number to subtract, so we carry down 4.

499149374067\begin{array}{c} & 4 & 9 & 9 & 14 \\ - & & 9 & 3 & 7 \\ \hline & 4 & 0 & 6 & 7 \\ \end{array}

Therefore, the solution to the subtraction problem is 4067 4067 .

3

Final Answer

4067

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Borrowing Rule: When subtracting across zeros, borrow from the first non-zero digit
  • Technique: Convert 5004 to 4,9,9,14 by borrowing: 5→4, 0→9, 0→9, 4→14
  • Check: Add your answer to the subtracted number: 4067 + 937 = 5004 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not borrowing correctly across multiple zeros
    Don't just borrow from one zero and stop = impossible subtraction like 4 - 7! When you hit zeros, you must keep borrowing leftward until you reach a non-zero digit, then distribute the borrowing back through all the zeros. Always borrow from the first non-zero digit and convert all zeros to 9s in your path.

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 borrow from so far away when there are zeros?

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You can't borrow from zero because there's nothing there! You must go left until you find a digit that has something to give (like the 5 in 5004), then that borrowing cascades back through all the zeros.

What happens to the zeros when I borrow through them?

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Each zero becomes 9 when you borrow through it! Think of it like this: when a zero borrows 10, it becomes 10, but then immediately lends 1 to the right, leaving 9.

How do I keep track of all the borrowing?

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Work systematically from right to left: identify what you need, find the first non-zero digit to borrow from, then rewrite all affected digits before doing any subtraction.

Is there an easier way to subtract with zeros?

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Some students find it easier to think 'add up' instead: 937 + ? = 5004. But learning the borrowing method helps you understand place value better!

What if I get confused with all the borrowing?

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Take it step by step! Don't rush - carefully rewrite the top number with all borrowing complete before you start subtracting. Double-check by addition when you're done.

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