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Write an equation for a subtraction story

A subtraction story is represented by an equation that identifies the whole, the amount removed or compared, and the remaining or unknown quantity, using subtraction within 100. The learner connects take-away, comparison, and missing-part situations to equations such as a−b=ca-b=c, including cases where the unknown is the starting amount, change, or result, rather than treating subtraction only as “taking away”; formal algebraic generalization and larger-number contexts are beyond this scope.

Detailed Explanation: Write an equation for a subtraction story

A subtraction story tells about a whole amount, an amount that is removed, and what is left.

Look for these numbers and ask:

  • What was the starting amount? This is the whole.
  • What was taken away? This is the amount removed.
  • What are you trying to find? This is the remaining amount.

Example:

Maya has 24 stickers. She gives 7 stickers to her friend. How many stickers does Maya have left?

  1. The whole amount is (24)(24) stickers.
  2. The amount removed is 77 stickers.
  3. The amount left is unknown, so we use a box for it.

Write the equation:

24−7=024-7=\boxed{\phantom{0}}

Now subtract:

24−7=1724-7=17

So, Maya has 17 stickers left. The equation is:

24−7=1724-7=17

Learn by doing: Write an equation for a subtraction story

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    Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 20)

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