Solve the Equation: Finding the Missing Number in 46-□=39 Using Number Line

Subtraction Equations with Number Line Methods

Solve the subtraction exercise,

using two jumps on the number line below:

46=39 46-\Box=39

393939464646

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the subtraction exercise,

using two jumps on the number line below:

46=39 46-\Box=39

393939464646

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the problem as requiring the unknown number such that 46=3946 - \Box = 39.
  • Step 2: Choose the nearest higher round number above 39, which is 40.
  • Step 3: Calculate the number for the first jump from 46 to 40.
  • Step 4: Calculate the second jump from 40 to 39.
  • Step 5: Add the values of both jumps to determine \Box .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: We start at 46 and the subtraction ends at 39, making 46=3946 - \Box = 39.

Step 2: The first jump brings us to the nearest round number, 40.

Step 3: The value of this first jump is 4640=646 - 40 = 6.

Step 4: The second jump brings us from 40 to 39, which is 4039=140 - 39 = 1.

Step 5: Adding both jumps, 6+1=76 + 1 = 7.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is =7 \Box = 7 .

3

Final Answer

7 7

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Break subtraction into two convenient jumps using round numbers
  • Technique: First jump from 46 to 40 (subtract 6), then 40 to 39 (subtract 1)
  • Check: Add both jumps: 6 + 1 = 7, then verify 46 - 7 = 39 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Jumping directly from start to end in one move
    Don't try to jump directly from 46 to 39 in one step = missing the two-jump requirement! This ignores the problem's instruction to use exactly two jumps. Always break the subtraction into two strategic jumps using a convenient round number as your stopping point.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

If we have 85 blocks in total, how many blocks will remain if we remove 4 tens and 1 one?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to use exactly two jumps instead of one?

+

The problem specifically asks for two jumps to help you practice breaking down subtraction into easier steps. This method makes larger subtractions simpler and helps you understand place value!

How do I pick the best round number for my first jump?

+

Choose the nearest round number (like 10, 20, 30, 40) that's between your starting and ending points. Since we go from 46 to 39, 40 is perfect because it's close to both numbers.

What if my two jumps don't add up to the right answer?

+

Double-check your arithmetic! Make sure you calculated each jump correctly:

  • First jump: 46 - 40 = 6
  • Second jump: 40 - 39 = 1
  • Total: 6 + 1 = 7

Can I use a different round number than 40?

+

You could, but 40 is the smartest choice because it's the closest round number between 46 and 39. Using 50 or 30 would make your jumps unnecessarily large and harder to calculate.

How do I know if I'm subtracting the right direction on the number line?

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Remember: subtraction means moving left on the number line (toward smaller numbers). Start at 46, jump left to 40, then jump left again to 39.

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