Let’s subtract on a number line. Click through the slides below to see some examples.
When we write a subtraction sentence, the first number in our sentence is the
number we go to first on the number line. Let’s try one together!
8 – 3 =
We want to start at the number 8 on our number line because it’s the first
number in our subtraction sentence. We will place a dot on the 8.
8 – 3 =
Next, we want to hop to the left since we are subtracting a number. The
second number in our subtraction sentence is 3. Let’s hop three times to the
left on the number line.
We landed on the number 5! That tells us the answer to 8 – 3 = 5.
Now that we’ve seen how to use a number line, let’s try another problem.
This time our problem is 10 – 6 =
What number do we start with?
Yes! We start with 10 because it’s the first number in our
subtraction sentence.
10 – 6 =
Since the second number in our subtraction sentence is 6. How many times do
we hop on the number line to find the answer?
Hop to the left six times.
Question
What number do we land on when we count 6 hops?
We land on the number 4! That is our answer. 10
– 6 = 4
Good Job ! Using number lines to subtract.
Slide:
For each problem below, use the number line to solve the problem.