Perform the subtraction using spikes: 508−273 and explain your steps

Answer 1

To perform the subtraction \( 508 - 273 \) using spikes, we can visualize the numbers with spikes representing each digit. We will break down the numbers by place value (hundreds, tens, and units):

1. Representing the numbers:

   • 508:

     • 5 spikes for the hundreds place (500)
     • 0 spikes for the tens place (0)
     • 8 spikes for the units place (8)

   • 273:

     • 2 spikes for the hundreds place (200)
     • 7 spikes for the tens place (70)
     • 3 spikes for the units place (3)

2. Aligning the spikes visually:

   Hundreds:  5        |  2
   Tens:      0        |  7
   Units:     8        |  3
   

3. Subtracting each place value separately:

   • Hundreds place:

     • \( 5 - 2 = 3 \)
     • We have 3 spikes remaining in the hundreds place.

   • Tens place:

     • \( 0 - 7 \) needs borrowing:
       • We cannot subtract 7 from 0, so we borrow 1 from the hundreds place.
       • This reduces the hundreds from 3 to 2 (because we borrowed 1 representing 100).
       • Now, we have 10 in the tens place plus the original 0, giving us 10.
       • Now perform the subtraction:
         • \( 10 - 7 = 3 \)
       • We have 3 spikes remaining in the tens place.

   • Units place:

     • Now we have 8 spikes in the units place.
     • \( 8 - 3 = 5 \)
     • We have 5 spikes remaining in the units place.

4. Combining the results:

   • In the hundreds place, we have 2 spikes (200).
   • In the tens place, we have 3 spikes (30).
   • In the units place, we have 5 spikes (5).

5. Final result:

   • When we combine these, we get \( 200 + 30 + 5 = 235 \).

Thus, \( 508 - 273 = 235 \).