Solve the Subtraction Problem: 143 - 43 = ?

Q: Why split 143 into 100 + 43 instead of other combinations?

We choose 100 + 43 because 43 appears in both parts of the original problem! This creates $ +43 - 43 = 0 $, making the calculation much simpler.

Q: Can I use this method for any subtraction problem?

The distributive property works for any subtraction, but it's most helpful when you can create matching numbers that cancel out, like we did with the 43s.

Q: What if the numbers don't have obvious matches?

Look for other patterns! For example, with $ 157 - 48 $, you could use $ (150 + 7) - 48 $ or even $ 157 - (50 - 2) $ to make friendlier numbers.

Q: Do I always need to show the distributive property steps?

For learning, yes! Writing out $ (100+43)-43 $ helps you see the pattern clearly. Once you're confident, you can do some steps mentally.

Q: How do I know my final answer is correct?

Use addition to check: $ 100 + 43 = 143 $ ✓ Since we get back to our starting number, our subtraction answer of 100 is correct!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We will use the distributive law

00:07 Let's break down 143 into 100 plus 43

00:20 We'll solve each operation separately

00:25 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$143-43=$

2

Step-by-step solution

We will use the distributive law and split the number 143 into a sum of 100 and 43.

The distributive law allows us to distribute, meaning, to split a number into two or more numbers. This actually allows us to work with smaller numbers and simplify the operation.

$(100+43)-43=$

We will operate according to the order of operations

We can remove parentheses and perform addition and subtraction operations in any order since there are only addition and subtraction operations in the equation

$100+43-43=100+0=100$

Therefore, the answer is option C - 100.

And now let's see the solution to the exercise in a centered format:

$143-43= (100+43)-43= 100+43-43=100+0=100$

3

Final Answer

100

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Split larger numbers to make subtraction easier
Technique: Break 143 into 100 + 43 to simplify calculation
Check: Verify 100 + 43 - 43 = 100 by working left to right ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Calculating left to right without strategy
Don't just subtract 143 - 43 directly = harder mental math! This makes you more likely to make calculation errors. Always look for number patterns like matching digits to simplify first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 140-70= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why split 143 into 100 + 43 instead of other combinations?

+

We choose 100 + 43 because 43 appears in both parts of the original problem! This creates $+43 - 43 = 0$ , making the calculation much simpler.

Can I use this method for any subtraction problem?

+

The distributive property works for any subtraction, but it's most helpful when you can create matching numbers that cancel out, like we did with the 43s.

What if the numbers don't have obvious matches?

+

Look for other patterns! For example, with $157 - 48$ , you could use $(150 + 7) - 48$ or even $157 - (50 - 2)$ to make friendlier numbers.

Do I always need to show the distributive property steps?

+

For learning, yes! Writing out $(100+43)-43$ helps you see the pattern clearly. Once you're confident, you can do some steps mentally.

How do I know my final answer is correct?

+

Use addition to check: $100 + 43 = 143$ ✓ Since we get back to our starting number, our subtraction answer of 100 is correct!

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Solve the Subtraction Problem: 143 - 43 = ?

Subtraction with Distributive Property

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