Subtraction Word Problems

What are Subtraction Word Problems?

• A subtraction word problem is a short story where something is taken away, lost, eaten, or spent.
• Instead of just seeing 10 - 4, you might read about 10 cupcakes where 4 were eaten by a hungry dog!
• Your job is to find the starting number and figure out how many were removed.

How to Solve a Subtraction Problem Use these steps to become a "Subtraction Detective":

1. Find the "Big Number": This is almost always your starting number (the total you had at first).
2. Look for the "Take Away" Number: This is the amount that left the group.
3. Search for Key Words: These words tell you that the numbers are getting smaller.
4. Write the Equation: Put it into a number sentence: Start Take Away Left.

Look for "Key Words" When you see these words, it’s a signal to subtract:

• How many are left?
• Difference
• Fewer
• Take away
• Remain
• Gave away

Practice Story 1: The Balloon Pop

Maya had 9 red balloons. 3 of them popped. How many balloons does she have left?

• The Numbers: 9 (Start) and 3 (Popped).
• The Key Word: Left (Subtract!).
• The Drawing: 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈 🎈🎈🎈
• The Equation: 9 - 3 = 6

Practice Story 2: The Apple Tree

There were 10 apples on a tree. 4 apples fell off. How many apples remain on the tree?

• The Numbers: 10 and 4.
• The Key Word: Remain (Subtract!).
• The Drawing: 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 🍎🍎🍎🍎
• The Equation: 10 - 4 = 6

Common Mistake: Which Number Goes First? In subtraction, the biggest number usually goes first!

• If the story says "5 birds fly away and there were 8 to start," you must write 8 - 5.
• You cannot take 8 away from 5! Always start with the whole group.

Lesson Summary

• Read the story to find the starting total.
• Identify how many were taken away.
• Subtract to find the difference.