Heath wants to subtract 14-9. What is the best way to decompose 9 to solve this problem?
A. 4 and 5
B. 3 and 6
C. 2 and 7
D. 1 and 8
To decompose 9, we want to break it down into two numbers that will make subtraction easier. We want to choose two numbers that, when subtracted from 14, will give us a simple result.
Let's consider option A: 4 and 5. If we subtract 4 from 14, we get 10. And if we subtract 5 from 14, we get 9. So, if we choose 4 and 5, the subtraction would be 10 - 9, which is not the original problem.
Let's consider option B: 3 and 6. If we subtract 3 from 14, we get 11. And if we subtract 6 from 14, we get 8. So, if we choose 3 and 6, the subtraction would be 11 - 8, which is also not the original problem.
Let's consider option C: 2 and 7. If we subtract 2 from 14, we get 12. And if we subtract 7 from 14, we get 7. So, if we choose 2 and 7, the subtraction would be 12 - 7, which is not the original problem.
Finally, let's consider option D: 1 and 8. If we subtract 1 from 14, we get 13. And if we subtract 8 from 14, we get 6. So, if we choose 1 and 8, the subtraction would be 13 - 6, which is the original problem.
Therefore, the best way to decompose 9 to solve the problem 14 - 9 is to use option D: 1 and 8.