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N.1 Addition and subtraction word problems up to 10

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Understanding Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Word problems let us use math to solve everyday situations. In this lesson, we practice solving both addition and subtraction problems where the numbers and answers are 10 or less.

Examples:
  • Problem: Jack has 6 toy cars. He gets 2 more. How many cars does he have now?
    Solution: 6 + 2 = 8
  • Problem: Sarah has 7 balloons. She gives 3 to her friend. How many balloons does she have left?
    Solution: 7 − 3 = 4
Helpful Hint

Look for words that tell you whether to add (put together) or subtract (take away).

Finding the Total or What’s Left

When we add, we find the total, also called the sum. When we subtract, we find what is left, called the difference.

Examples:
  • Problem: A box has 4 apples. Another box has 5 apples. How many apples are there in all?
    Solution: 4 + 5 = 9
  • Problem: There are 9 birds on a tree. 2 fly away. How many are still in the tree?
    Solution: 9 − 2 = 7
Helpful Hint

Words like in all or together mean add. Words like left, take away, or how many are still mean subtract.

Using Drawings and Objects

We can use pictures, counters, or real objects to help solve word problems. This makes it easier to see what is happening in the problem.

Examples:
  • Problem: Emma has 3 toy bears. Her friend gives her 4 more. How many does she have now?
    Solution: Draw 3 bears, then 4 more. Count them: 3 + 4 = 7
  • Problem: There are 8 cookies. You eat 5 of them. How many are left?
    Solution: Use counters to model: 8 − 5 = 3
Helpful Hint

Try using buttons, coins, or blocks to act out the story before solving with numbers.

Solving with a Number Line

A number line can help us add or subtract by hopping forward for addition or hopping backward for subtraction.

Examples:
  • Problem: Lily starts with 2 stickers. She gets 6 more. How many does she have?
    Solution: Start at 2, move 6 hops forward. Land on 8. So, 2 + 6 = 8.
  • Problem: There are 7 frogs on a log. 4 jump away. How many are left?
    Solution: Start at 7, move 4 hops backward. Land on 3. So, 7 − 4 = 3.
Helpful Hint

Always hop right to add and left to subtract on the number line.

Everyday Word Problems

We use addition and subtraction in real life all the time, such as when counting snacks, toys, or friends.

Real-Life Examples:
  • Problem: You eat 4 grapes at lunch and 3 more at snack time. How many grapes did you eat?
    Solution: 4 + 3 = 7
  • Problem: There are 10 chairs in a room. 6 are taken away. How many are left?
    Solution: 10 − 6 = 4
Try This

Make up your own word problems using toys, food, or things you see around you. Then solve them by adding or subtracting.

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