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Solve separating subtraction problems

Separating subtraction represents a whole quantity, a part removed from it, and the part that remains; the unknown may be the result, the removed amount, or occasionally the starting amount. Within 100, the learner interprets these relationships in word problems and models such as bar diagrams or number lines, applies place-value reasoning including regrouping, and connects subtraction with the inverse operation of addition; fractions, decimals, negative numbers, and larger-number generalizations are outside this scope.

Detailed Explanation: Solve separating subtraction problems

In a separating subtraction problem, start with a whole, take away a part, and find the part that remains.

whole−part removed=part remaining\text{whole} - \text{part removed} = \text{part remaining}

Example:
Mia has (52)(52) stickers. She gives (28)(28) stickers away. How many stickers remain?

  1. Identify the parts:

    • Whole: (52)(52) stickers
    • Removed: (28)(28) stickers
    • Remaining: unknown
  2. Write a subtraction equation:

52−28=□52-28=\square
  1. Subtract the ones. There are 22 ones, but we cannot take away 88 ones. Regroup 11 ten as (10)(10) ones:
52=4 tens +12 ones52=4\text{ tens }+12\text{ ones}
  1. Subtract:
12−8=412-8=4 4−2=24-2=2

So,

52−28=2452-28=24

Mia has (24)(24) stickers remaining.

Check your answer with addition:

28+24=5228+24=52

Since the removed part plus the remaining part equals the whole, the answer makes sense.

Learn by doing: Solve separating subtraction problems

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Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 20)


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