Mathematics
Grade 9
15 min
Write subtraction sentences to describe pictures - up to two digits
Write subtraction sentences to describe pictures - up to two digits
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Translate visual models, such as diagrams or graphs, into algebraic subtraction expressions.
Formulate linear equations of the form a - x = b from pictorial contexts representing a change.
Extend subtraction sentences into linear inequalities (e.g., a - x ≤ b or a - x > b) to model real-world constraints.
Define variables to represent unknown quantities being removed or reduced from a visually depicted total.
Analyze a graphical representation to determine the initial value, the change, and the resulting value in a subtraction scenario.
Justify the use of inequality symbols (<, >, ≤, ≥) based on contextual clues in a problem's visual description.
Ever see a phone's battery icon and instantly calculate how much screen time you have left?...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Initial Value (Minuend)The starting quantity or total amount before any subtraction occurs. In a visual problem, this is the entire group or the starting point on a graph.A diagram shows a parking lot with a capacity of 95 cars. The initial value is 95.
Variable SubtrahendThe amount being removed, decreased, or taken away. Since this amount can change or is unknown, we represent it with a variable (e.g., x).From the 95-car lot, an unknown number of cars, x, leave. The variable subtrahend is x.
DifferenceThe quantity remaining after the subtraction has occurred. It is the result of the initial value minus the subtrahend.The number of cars remaining in the lot is represented by the expression 95 - x.
Mathematical ModelAn algebraic sentence (an equation or inequality) t...
3
Core Formulas
Subtraction Sentence as an Equation
a - x = b
Use this model when a picture or scenario describes an initial amount 'a', an unknown subtracted amount 'x', and a specific, exact final amount 'b'.
Subtraction Sentence as a 'Greater Than or Equal To' Inequality
a - x \ge b
Use this model to represent a constraint where the final amount must be 'at least' or 'no less than' a certain value 'b'.
Subtraction Sentence as a 'Less Than or Equal To' Inequality
a - x \le b
Use this model to represent a constraint where the final amount must be 'at most' or 'no more than' a certain value 'b'.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A picture of a parking garage sign reads 'Total Spaces: 90. Spaces Available: 90.' After 'c' cars enter and park, the number of available spaces must be more than 12 to allow for VIP parking. Which inequality correctly models the number of cars 'c' that can enter?
A.c - 90 > 12
B.90 - c < 12
C.90 - c > 12
D.90 - c ≥ 12
Easy
A 50-gallon water barrel is shown completely full. Some water, 'w' gallons, is used for a garden. In a subtraction sentence like 'a - x = b' that models this situation, what does the value 'a' (the initial value) represent?
A.The amount of water used, w
B.The initial 50 gallons in the barrel
C.The amount of water remaining
D.The expression 50 - w
Easy
A phone's battery is at 100%. After several hours, an unknown percentage of the battery, 'p', is consumed. In the subtraction expression that models the remaining battery life, which term is the variable subtrahend?
A.100, the starting percentage
B.The final battery percentage
C.p, the percentage consumed
D.100 - p, the remaining percentage
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free