Solve the Equation: Finding the Missing Number in 74-□=38

Subtraction Strategies with Number Line Jumps

Solve the subtraction exercise,

using two jumps on the number line below:

74=38 74-\Box=38

383838747474

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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:

74=38 74-\Box=38

383838747474

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem step by step.

The problem is to find the number to subtract from 74 so that the result is 38, using two jumps on a number line.

We start at 74 and need to end at 38. To do this efficiently and using the number line strategy, we break it down into two jumps:

  • First, consider an easy first jump to a round number from 74. The nearest round number less than 74 is 70.
    This first jump is from 74 to 70, which is a jump of 7470=474 - 70 = 4.
  • Now, from 70, we need to reach the desired 38. Calculate the second jump: 7038=3270 - 38 = 32.

By making these two jumps, we have:

  • First jump: 74 to 70, subtracting 4.
  • Second jump: 70 to 38, subtracting 32.

Adding the two jumps: 4+32=364 + 32 = 36.

Therefore, the solution to 74=38 74 - \Box = 38 is =36 \Box = 36 .

The correct choice from the options provided is 36.

In conclusion, the missing number in the subtraction is =36\Box = 36.

3

Final Answer

36 36

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Break subtraction into two easy jumps using round numbers
  • Technique: Jump from 74 to 70 (subtract 4), then 70 to 38 (subtract 32)
  • Check: Add both jumps: 4 + 32 = 36, so 74 - 36 = 38 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting the final position instead of the difference
    Don't think the answer is 38 because that's where you end up = wrong approach! You're finding how much you subtracted, not where you landed. Always add up the individual jump amounts to find the total subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

If we have 67 blocks in total, how many blocks will remain if we remove 5 tens and 4 ones?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we use two jumps instead of one big jump?

+

Using two smaller jumps makes mental math easier! Jumping to a round number like 70 first helps you calculate faster and avoid mistakes.

How do I choose where to make my first jump?

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Look for the nearest round number that's less than your starting point. From 74, jumping to 70 is easy because it's just subtracting 4!

What if I forget to add both jumps together?

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This is a common mistake! Remember, you need the total distance traveled. Each jump shows part of the subtraction, so add them: 4 + 32 = 36.

Can I make different jumps and still get the right answer?

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Yes! You could jump 74 → 60 → 38 (subtract 14, then 22). As long as your jumps add up correctly: 14 + 22 = 36, you'll get the same answer.

How do I check my answer without the number line?

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Use the opposite operation! If 7436=38 74 - 36 = 38 , then 38+36 38 + 36 should equal 74. Try it: 38 + 36 = 74 ✓

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