Subtract 8 from 48: Base-10 Block Visualization Problem

Base-10 Subtraction with Visual Blocks

We built the number 48 - we took out 8 units

How many are left?

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

We built the number 48 - we took out 8 units

How many are left?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll perform a simple arithmetic subtraction, as follows:

  • Step 1: Identify the initial number of units, which is 48.
  • Step 2: Identify the number of units to subtract, which is 8.
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction 488 48 - 8 .

Let's carry out the calculation:
Step 1: We start with a total of 48 units.
Step 2: We subtract 8 units from 48.
Step 3: Calculating the subtraction, we find:

488=40 48 - 8 = 40

This means there are 40 units left after removing 8 units from 48.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 40 40 .

3

Final Answer

40 40

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Counting: Identify tens blocks (4) and units (8) in visual representation
  • Subtraction: Remove 8 units: 488=40 48 - 8 = 40
  • Verification: Count remaining blocks: 4 tens + 0 units = 40 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misinterpreting the visual representation
    Don't count individual squares instead of recognizing block values = wrong total! Students often count small grid squares rather than understanding that long rectangles represent tens. Always identify tens blocks first, then count remaining units.

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

How do I read the base-10 blocks in the diagram?

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The long rectangles represent tens blocks (each worth 10), and the small squares represent unit blocks (each worth 1). Count 4 tens blocks + 8 unit blocks = 48 total.

What does 'took out 8 units' mean?

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It means we subtract 8 from our original number. In the visual, this would be like removing 8 of the small square blocks, leaving us with just the tens blocks.

Why is the answer 40 and not 39?

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After removing 8 units from 48, we have 4 complete tens blocks left (and no individual units). Since 4 tens = 4×10=40 4 \times 10 = 40 , the answer is 40.

How can I check my answer without counting blocks?

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Use addition to check: 40+8=48 40 + 8 = 48 . If your subtraction answer plus what you took away equals your starting number, you're correct!

What if I need to regroup or borrow?

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In this problem, we don't need to regroup because we have enough units (8) to subtract directly. When you need more units, you'd break apart one tens block into 10 units first.

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