Subtraction with number lines

​There are many ways to subtract numbers! One of the ways you can subtract numbers is using an open number line. Follow these steps:
1. Start with the number you are subtracting from. Mark that number on the number line.
2. Take the number you are subtracting. Break up that number by place value.
3. Jump backward by each place value in that second number. Start by jumping backward by the greatest place value. Then, jump backward by the next greatest place value. Keep going until you have subtracted all of the place values.

​Subtracting 2-digit numbers

​Let's try it with 83–57!
First, mark the 83 on an open number line. Mark 83 near the right end of the number line to leave space for your backward jumps.

​Next, break up 57 by place value. The number 57 has a 5 in the tens place and a 7 in the ones place. So, 57 is made up of 50 and 7.

​Now, jump backward by each of the place values in 57. Start by jumping backward 50. You can jump back 50 all at once, or you can make 5 smaller jumps of ten.

​Then, jump backward 7. You can jump backward 7 all at once, or you can break it up to make it easier to subtract. Since 7=3+4, you can break it up into 3 and 4.

​The number you land on is your answer!
So, 83–57=26.

​Subtracting 3-digit numbers

​You can follow the same steps to subtract 3-digit numbers.
Let's try it with 514 - 263!
First, mark 514 on an open number line.

​Next, break up 263 by place value. 263 is made up of 200, 60, and 3.
Now, jump backward by each of the place values in 263. Start with the largest place value. You can jump back 200 all at once, or you can make 2 smaller jumps of one hundred.

​Then, jump backward 60. You can jump back 60 all at once, or you can make 6 smaller jumps of ten.

​Now, jump backward 3. You can jump back 3 all at once, or you can make 3 smaller jumps of one.

​The number you land on is your answer!
So, 514–263=251.