What Are Subtraction Word Problems?
Subtraction word problems tell little stories where we need to take away or find what's left.
They help us understand how subtraction works in everyday life. When we see words like "gave away", "ate", "lost", or "how many left", it usually means we need to subtract!
How to Solve Subtraction Word Problems
1️⃣ Listen or read the problem carefully
2️⃣ Find the numbers in the story
3️⃣ Subtract to find the answer
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Sharing Apples
Emma has (5 apples). She gives 2 apples to her friend. How many apples does Emma have left?
Emma has (3 apples) left!
We subtract: 5 apples - 2 apples = 3 apples
Example 2: Eating Cookies
There were (7 cookies) on the plate. Tommy ate 3 cookies. How many cookies are left?
There are (4 cookies) left!
We subtract: 7 cookies - 3 cookies = 4 cookies
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real objects like toys or snacks to act out word problems - this makes subtraction concrete and fun!
- Start with small numbers (up to 5) before moving to larger ones (up to 9) to build confidence.
- Encourage drawing - have your child draw pictures to represent the problem before solving it.