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Interpret subtraction as comparison

Subtraction can represent the difference between two whole-number quantities, not only the removal of objects: in 8−5=38-5=3, 8 is 3 more than 5, 5 is 3 fewer than 8, and 3 measures the distance between them on a number line or comparison bar model. The learner connects comparison situations to subtraction and related addition facts with whole numbers within 20; negative differences, ratios, and generalized algebraic comparisons are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Interpret subtraction as comparison

Subtraction can show the difference between two amounts. It can tell how many more one group has than another.

Example: Maya has 8 crayons. Leo has 5 crayons. How many more crayons does Maya have?

  1. Compare the amounts: 88 is the greater number, and 55 is the smaller number.
  2. Subtract the smaller amount from the greater amount:
8−5=38-5=3
  1. The answer, 33, is the difference. Maya has 3 more crayons than Leo.
  2. This also means Leo has 3 fewer crayons than Maya.

You can check with addition:

5+3=85+3=8

So, 33 is the distance between 55 and 88 on a number line, and the comparison sentence is: 8 is 3 more than 5.

Learn by doing: Interpret subtraction as comparison

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    Subtraction - Whole Number 1 x 1

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