Let's solve the subtraction problem
594 − 342 using
base-ten blocks, as shown in the image.
---
🔢 Step 1: Understand the Base-Ten Blocks
Base-ten blocks represent numbers using:
-
Flat squares (hundreds) = 100 each
-
Long rods (tens) = 10 each
-
Small cubes (ones) = 1 each
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🟦 Top Row: Representing 594
From the image:
-
5 large blue squares → 5 × 100 =
500
-
9 blue rods → 9 × 10 =
90
-
4 small blue cubes → 4 × 1 =
4
So, 500 + 90 + 4 =
594 ✔
---
🔴 Bottom Row: Representing 342
From the image:
-
3 red squares → 3 × 100 =
300
-
4 red rods → 4 × 10 =
40
-
2 red cubes → 2 × 1 =
2
So, 300 + 40 + 2 =
342 ✔
---
➖ Now Subtract: 594 − 342
We are removing 342 from 594 using base-ten blocks.
#### Start with 594:
- 5 hundreds
- 9 tens
- 4 ones
#### Subtract 342:
- Remove 3 hundreds → 5 − 3 =
2 hundreds
- Remove 4 tens → 9 − 4 =
5 tens
- Remove 2 ones → 4 − 2 =
2 ones
So, after subtraction:
- 2 hundreds = 200
- 5 tens = 50
- 2 ones = 2
Add them up:
200 + 50 + 2 = 252
---
✔ Final Answer:
$$
594 - 342 = \boxed{252}
$$
---
🧩 Visual Check Using Blocks:
After removing:
- 3 red hundred blocks from 5 blue → 2 blue hundreds left
- 4 red ten rods from 9 blue → 5 blue tens left
- 2 red ones from 4 blue → 2 blue ones left
This matches:
2 hundreds, 5 tens, 2 ones = 252
---
✔️ Conclusion:
The model correctly shows that:
$$
\boxed{594 - 342 = 252}
$$
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of subtraction with base ten blocks worksheet.
