Solve the Expression: Finding the Value of 55-7

Subtraction Decomposition with Two-Step Breaking

Which expression is equivalent to the given equation?

557= 55-7=

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Which expression is equivalent to the given equation?

557= 55-7=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of finding an equivalent expression for 557 55 - 7 , we will rewrite 7 as a sum of two numbers and then translate that into a two-step subtraction:

  • Step 1: Decompose 7 as a sum of two numbers. For instance, 7 can be written as 5+2 5 + 2 . That means 7=5+2 7 = 5 + 2 .
  • Step 2: Rewrite the original expression 557 55 - 7 using this decomposition: 557=55(5+2). 55 - 7 = 55 - (5 + 2).
  • Step 3: Apply sequential subtraction, which translates to: 5552. 55 - 5 - 2.
  • Step 4: Verify: We perform the subtraction operations: - 555=50 55 - 5 = 50 - 502=48 50 - 2 = 48

The expression 5552 55 - 5 - 2 evaluates to the same result as 557 55 - 7 , which is 48. The solution indicated that this is the correct choice as shown in the answer choices.

Therefore, the equivalent expression to the equation 557 55 - 7 is 5552 55 - 5 - 2 .

3

Final Answer

5552 55-5-2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Decomposition Rule: Break larger numbers into smaller additive parts
  • Technique: Rewrite 7 as 5 + 2, then subtract sequentially
  • Check: Verify both methods give same result: 55 - 7 = 48 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using wrong decomposition of the subtracted number
    Don't decompose 7 as 3 + 2 or 4 + 2 = wrong equivalent expression! These don't equal 7, so your sequential subtraction won't match the original. Always verify your decomposition adds up to the original number first.

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 can't I just subtract 7 directly from 55?

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You absolutely can! This problem is asking you to find an equivalent expression that uses two-step subtraction instead. It's like showing different ways to reach the same answer.

How do I know which numbers to use when breaking apart 7?

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You can use any two numbers that add up to 7! For example: 1+6, 2+5, 3+4, etc. The key is making sure they actually add to 7.

Does the order matter when I subtract the two parts?

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Yes! You must subtract from left to right: 5552 55 - 5 - 2 . Don't rearrange the subtraction order or you'll get a different answer.

What if I break 7 into three numbers instead of two?

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That would work mathematically, but the answer choices show two-step subtractions only. Stick to breaking 7 into exactly two parts for this type of problem.

How can I check if my equivalent expression is correct?

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Calculate both expressions and compare results! 557=48 55 - 7 = 48 and 5552=502=48 55 - 5 - 2 = 50 - 2 = 48 . Same answer means equivalent expressions!

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