Perform the subtraction: 345 - 159

Quick explanation:

Step-by-step solution:

1. Step 1: Subtract the ones column: 5 - 9. Since 5 is less than 9, we borrow from the tens place. The 4 in the tens place becomes 3, and the 5 becomes 15. 15 - 9 = 6.
2. Step 2: Subtract the tens column: 3 - 5. Since 3 is less than 5, we borrow from the hundreds place. The 3 in the hundreds place becomes 2, and the 3 becomes 13. 13 - 5 = 8.
3. Step 3: Subtract the hundreds column: 2 - 1 = 1.

Answer: 186