Determine the number subtracted from 9501 to obtain 3697: 9501 − ? = 3697

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:

  • Known: 9501 − ? = 3697
  • All numbers are integers.
  • We need the exact value of the question mark.


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

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