What Are Subtraction Word Problems?
Subtraction word problems help us solve real-life questions!
When we see words like "how many are left", "how many more", or "difference", it usually means we need to subtract. We'll practice with numbers up to 999 to become subtraction superstars!
How to Solve Subtraction Word Problems
1️⃣ Read carefully - Find the numbers and what's being asked
2️⃣ Decide the operation - Look for subtraction clues
3️⃣ Write the equation - Put the numbers in the right order
4️⃣ Solve it - Subtract carefully!
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: The Apple Orchard
Mr. Brown's orchard had 345 apples. He sold 128 apples at the farmer's market. How many apples are left in the orchard?
We subtract the sold apples from the total: 345 - 128 = 217
Answer: There are 217 apples left in the orchard.
Example 2: Library Books
The school library had 589 books. Students checked out 263 books this week. How many books are still in the library?
We subtract the checked out books from the total: 589 - 263 = 326
Answer: There are 326 books still in the library.
Parent Tips 🌟
- Make it real: Use household items like toys or snacks to create your own subtraction word problems together.
- Highlight key words: Teach your child to look for words like "left", "remaining", or "difference" that signal subtraction.
- Check the reasonableness: After solving, ask "Does this answer make sense?" to develop number sense.