Make a Number Line to Subtract — Let's Practice!
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Introduction
- What Does it Mean to Use a Number Line to Subtract?
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Example
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Guided Practice
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Application
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Examples
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Summary
- Using a Number Line to Subtract – Frequently Asked Questions
Basics on the topic Make a Number Line to Subtract — Let's Practice!
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Introduction
Get ready because today we're going to practice using a number line to subtract. It’s a great tool to help understand subtraction better. Ready to begin? Let's go!
What Does it Mean to Use a Number Line to Subtract?
Using a number line to subtract means starting with the larger number on the right side of the line and counting back by small amounts to find the answer.
For example, if you have the problem 30 - 12, you start at 30 on the number line and count back 12 steps to find the answer. Let’s practice this with some fun problems!
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Example
Let's solve a problem using a number line to subtract:
Problem
If Emily has 30 seeds but only needs 12, how many will she have left?
Solution
Follow these simple steps to find the solution.
| Step | Explanation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Start at 30 on the number line | Place 30 on the right end | 30 |
| Count back 12 steps | Move 12 steps to the left | 18 |
So, 30 minus 12 equals 18! Emily will have 18 seeds left.
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Guided Practice
Let's try another problem together.
Problem
If Noah has 46 sticks but only needs 20, how many will he have left?
So, 46 minus 20 equals 26! Noah will have 26 sticks left.
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Application
Now, try solving this problem on your own:
Problem If Liam has 60 nails but only needs 28, how many will he have left?
So, 60 minus 28 equals 32! Liam will have 32 nails left.
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Examples
To help yourself in becoming fluent in using a number line to subtract, have a look at some more examples and complete them by following the steps.
| Problem | Start at | Count Back | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 - 12 | 30 | 12 steps | 18 |
| 46 - 20 | 46 | 20 steps | 26 |
| 60 - 28 | 60 | 28 steps | 32 |
| 50 - 15 | 50 | 15 steps | 35 |
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Using a number line to subtract helps us understand subtraction by visualizing it on a number line.
- Always start with the larger number on the right side of the number line.
- Count back by the smaller number to find the answer.
Keep practicing using a number line to subtract to become a math whiz! Check out more fun math problems and activities on our website, such as subtraction using compensation, subtraction using addition, or using place value to subtract.
Using a Number Line to Subtract – Frequently Asked Questions
Transcript Make a Number Line to Subtract — Let's Practice!
Razzi says get these items ready (...) Because today we're going to practice... : "Make a number line to subtract". It's time to begin! There are many strategies and tools to help subtract, like using a number line. Remember, when subtracting using a number line, ALWAYS start by putting the larger number on the RIGHT. Then, count back small amounts of the smaller number. If Mr. Squeaks has thirty seeds, but only need twelve, how many will he have left over? Did you also get eighteen? Let's tackle the next problem! Mr. Squeaks has forty-six sticks but only needs twenty, how many will he have left? Remember, when subtracting using a number line, ALWAYS start by putting the larger number on the RIGHT. Then, count back small amounts of the smaller number. Did you also get twenty-six? Let's tackle the last problem! If Mr. Squeaks has sixty nails but only needs twenty-eight, how many will he have left? Remember, when subtracting using a number line, ALWAYS start by putting the larger number on the RIGHT. Then, count back small amounts of the smaller number. Did you also get thirty-two? Razzi had so much fun practicing with you today! See you next time!
Make a Number Line to Subtract — Let's Practice! exercise
-
Razzi subtracts.
HintsStart by subtracting 10 from 26, what do you get?
Then, subtract 10 again. What is the answer?
Solution26 - 20 = 6
- Start by putting the larger number, 26 on the right.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 20.
- 20 can be broken up into two groups of 10.
- 26 - 20 = 6
-
Subtract on the number line.
HintsCount back small amounts of the smaller number, 14.
14 can be broken up into a group of 10 and 4 ones.
Solution40 - 14 = 26
- Start by putting the larger number, 40 on the right.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 14.
- 14 can be broken up into a group of 10 and 4 ones.
- 40 - 10 = 30
- 30 - 4 = 26
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Help Mr. Squeaks subtract seeds.
HintsCount back small amounts of the smaller number, 36.
36 can be broken up into 30, 5, and 1.
Subtract 30 from 80, what do you get? Fill this in and continue subtracting.
Solution80 - 36 = 44
- Start by putting the larger number, 80 on the right.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 36.
- 36 can be broken up into 30 and 6.
- 80 - 30 = 50
- 50 - 5 = 45
- 45 - 1 = 44
-
Mr. Squeak's stickers.
HintsWhat should you subtract from 100?
Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 29.
29 can be broken up into 20, 5 and 4 ones.
Solution100 - 29 = 71
- Start by putting the larger number, 100 on the right.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 29.
- 29 can be broken up into 20 and 9.
- 100 - 20 = 80
- 80 - 5 = 75
- 75 - 4 = 71
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Steps for subtracting on the number line.
HintsShould you start with the larger number, 43 or the smaller number, 16 on the number line?
Before you count back, what do you need to do?
SolutionHere are the steps for subtracting using a number line:
- Start by putting the larger number, 43 on the right.
- Break 16 into one group of ten and 6 ones.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 16.
- 43 - 10 = 33
- 33 - 6 = 27
-
Solve the two part problem.
Hints27 can be broken up into 20 and 7.
- Solve for 40 - 27.
- Subtract 3 from the total.
Solution40 - 27 - 3 = 10
- Start by putting the larger number, 40 on the right.
- Count back small amounts of the smaller number, 27.
- 27 can be broken up into 20 and 7.
- 40 - ? = 20
- 40 - 20 = 20
- 20 - 7 = 13
- 13 - 3 = 10
