Skill: Solve separating subtraction problems

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

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

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

1. Identify the parts:

   • Whole: $(52)$ stickers
   • Removed: $(28)$ stickers
   • Remaining: unknown

2. Write a subtraction equation:

$$52-28=\square$$

3. Subtract the ones. There are $2$ ones, but we cannot take away $8$ ones. Regroup $1$ ten as $(10)$ ones:

$$52=4\text{ tens }+12\text{ ones}$$

4. Subtract:

$$12-8=4$$ $$4-2=2$$

So,

$$52-28=24$$

Mia has $(24)$ stickers remaining.

Check your answer with addition:

$$28+24=52$$

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