Difference between 42 and 36

Vertically align numbers with Larger Number on top:
4 2
3 6

Subtract using place value:

Tens Ones
3 12
42 4 2
36 3 6
Difference 6
Column traversal from right to left
Ones column:
  • Since 2 is less than 6, we have to borrow 1 from the Tens column
  • As a result, 2 becomes 12, and 12 − 6 = 6
  • The 4 in the Tens column becomes 3

Tens column:

  • 3 − 3 = 0

Note: Leading zero is dropped

3 12
4 2
3 6
6
Therefore, the Difference between 42 and 36 is 6

Check computation by comparing Larger Number and the Sum of Smaller Number and Difference:

1
3 6
6
4 2

Sum of Smaller Number and Difference = 42
Sum of Smaller Number and Difference = Larger Number (42 = 42) ✓

The solution above and other related solutions were provided by the Difference Between Two Numbers Application.

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