why is it important to line up the digits in each place value position when subtracting?
It would not make sense if you were to do
34
28
The right way is
34
28
Another example is that if you were to subtract by 1 digit by 2
78
1
This is the wrong one
78
1
so that you don't subtract the wrong numbers and get the wrong answers. ,
123
-----
386
_____
?