Subtract km and m Game

Subtract km and m Game
This Subtract km and m Game is a subtraction game where you are a navigator calculating the remaining distance on a hiking trail. You must know how to borrow from the kilometer column when the meters aren’t enough. Since 1 km = 1000 m, you must learn to borrow a 1000. Scroll down for a detailed explanation.
 

 

How to Play the Subtract km and m Game

1. Check the Meters (m)
   Look at the top number of meters and the bottom number.
   If the top number is larger, subtract as usual.
   If the top number is smaller, you don’t have enough meters to subtract. You must borrow from the kilometers.
   

2. The Exchange
   In the metric system, 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters.
   This is an important rule in the game.
   When you borrow 1 km:
   Reduce the top kilometer by 1.
   Add 1,000 to your top meter box.
   

3. Subtract and Solve
   Now that your top meter number is much larger (it will be over 1,000), you can finish the math:
   Subtract the m first.
   Subtract the remaining km second.
   

Example
Imagine your task is: 8 km 150 m minus 3 km 600 m
Step 1: The Problem
You can’t take 600 m away if you only have 150 m.
Step 2: Borrow
Borrow 1 km from the 8 km. The top kilometer becomes 7.
Give those 1,000 m to the 150 m. The top meter box now has 1,150.
Step 3: Subtract
m: 1,150 - 600 = 550 m
km: 7 - 3 = 4 km
Final Answer: 4 km 550 m.

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach on understanding how to subtract mixed units of km and m.

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