When subtracting  large whole numbers,
remember to line up the place values.
 

Invalid Approach Correct Approach

6 8 5
-   2 4       

 4 4 5

 6 8 5
-   2 4
 6 6  1

 

Example

Sally collects basketball cards.  She has 1,728 cards in her collection.  There are 209 cards that are duplicates.  She is going to give her friend Tom the duplicates.  She wants to know how many cards will remain in her collection. 

 

Invalid Approach Correct Approach

 

  

 

Remember: When subtracting  large whole numbers, start in the ONES column and move left.

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