Model and record 2-digit subtraction draw a quick picture to solve write the difference

geometry: triangles

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call the larger triangle abc

then the smaller triangle cde is similar to abc (all angles are equal, aaa).  

ab is the side that is 36, and we wish to find de, the side corresponding to ab

area_cde = area_abc - area_cde --> area_abc / area_cde = 2

let x=length of de

ratio of areas = (ratio of sides)^2

+2+=+%2836%2fx%29%5e2+

+2+=+1296%2fx%5e2+

++x%5e2+=+1296%2f2+=+648+

25.45584

δabc ≅ δdcb by sas because

db ≅ ac . . given (side)

bc ≅ bc . . reflexive property (side)

∠dbc ≅ ∠ acb . . alternate interior angles where transversal bc crosses parallel lines bd and ac (included angle)