Understanding Subtraction with Real-Life Examples

Subtraction is one of those math skills that sticks with you throughout life. You see it everywhere—from balancing your checkbook to figuring out how much change you’ll get after buying that fancy latte. If you're gearing up for the Border Patrol exam, having your math skills polished is crucial. One simple yet essential skill you’ll definitely want to master is subtracting decimals.

So, let’s tackle this question: What’s the result when .69 is subtracted by .14? You might find yourself shaking your head and thinking, "Why does this matter?" Well, it might seem small, but these little numbers can add up fast—just like the dollars you save.

To solve it, start with the larger number: .69. It’s like comparing apples and oranges—always start with the bigger fruit! When you set it up, you want to align the decimal points for clarity:

0.69

• 0.14

Now, here’s where the fun begins! Subtracting is like peeling back the layers of an onion. You begin with the rightmost digit. So, you take 9 and subtract 4, which gives you 5. That’s simple enough, right?

Now, moving over to the next column—where you’ve got a 6, and you’re subtracting 1 from it. What do you get? That’s right, another 5!

Let’s combine that all:

0.69

• 0.14

---

0.55

Voilà! The magic number here is .55, which is the correct answer.

What’s fantastic about mastering these basic principles is how they ripple through your life. Imagine grocery shopping and figuring out your total cost versus your budget. Every time you practice subtracting decimals, you're doing more than preparing for an exam; you’re equipping yourself with skills for everyday decisions.

Don’t forget, knowing how to subtract these numbers builds a solid foundation for more complex calculations, making your future math endeavors so much smoother. So, the next time you find yourself with a math problem, remember: subtraction isn’t just about numbers; it’s about layering your experiences and learning how to make them work for you.