Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 5804
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
You are given the result of a subtraction and asked to find the subtrahend. This emphasizes inverse operations and clean arithmetic. By solving for the missing number, you practice a core technique used in checking balances and reconciling accounts.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Rearrange the equation to isolate the unknown. Subtracting a number to reach a smaller result implies the unknown equals the difference between the initial number and the final result. So compute the difference directly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Start with 9501 − ? = 3697.2) Move terms to isolate ?: ? = 9501 − 3697.3) Compute: 9501 − 3697 = 5804.4) Thus, the subtracted value is 5804.
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute back: 9501 − 5804 = 3697. The equality checks out, confirming the arithmetic.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
4894: Gives 9501 − 4894 = 4607, not 3697.5814: Off by 10; 9501 − 5814 = 3687.13198: Larger than the minuend; subtraction would be negative.
Common Pitfalls:
Reversing the subtraction (e.g., 3697 − 9501) or mistyping digits when borrowing. Always compute 9501 − 3697 carefully to avoid a one-digit error.
Final Answer:
5804
Discussion & Comments