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L.2 Subtraction word problems - up to 10

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Understanding Subtraction Word Problems

Word problems show how subtraction is used in real life. In this first grade lesson, we practice solving subtraction problems where the numbers are 10 or less.

Examples:
  • Problem: Sarah has 7 balloons. 3 balloons fly away. How many balloons does she have left?
    Solution: 7 − 3 = 4
  • Problem: There are 9 dogs in the park. 5 go home. How many dogs are still in the park?
    Solution: 9 − 5 = 4
Helpful Hint

Always look for how many there are at the start, how many are taken away, and what the question is asking you to find.

Finding What is Left

In subtraction word problems, we find what is left after some are taken away. The answer is called the difference.

Examples:
  • Problem: Jake has 8 crayons. He gives 2 to his friend. How many crayons does he have left?
    Solution: 8 − 2 = 6
  • Problem: A basket has 6 apples. You eat 4. How many apples are still in the basket?
    Solution: 6 − 4 = 2
Helpful Hint

Look for words like left, remain, or how many more. These often tell you to subtract.

Using Objects and Drawings

We can solve subtraction problems by using objects, drawings, or counters to show what we start with and what we take away.

Examples:
  • Problem: Mia has 5 toy cars. She gives 2 to her brother. How many cars does she have now?
    Solution: Draw 5 cars, cross out 2. Count what is left: 5 − 2 = 3
  • Problem: There are 7 red balloons. 4 pop. How many balloons are left?
    Solution: Use counters: 7, take away 4. Left: 3. So, 7 − 4 = 3
Helpful Hint

Try using blocks, coins, or drawing pictures. Cross out or remove the items to see how many are left.

Solving Problems with a Number Line

A number line can help us solve subtraction by starting at the first number and hopping backward to subtract.

Examples:
  • Problem: Alex has 9 stickers. He gives 3 away. How many stickers does he have now?
    Solution: Start at 9 on the number line. Move 3 hops back. Land on 6. So, 9 − 3 = 6.
  • Problem: There are 8 birds in a tree. 5 fly away. How many are left?
    Solution: Start at 8, move 5 hops back. Land on 3. So, 8 − 5 = 3.
Helpful Hint

Always hop to the left when subtracting. Each hop makes the number smaller.

Practice with Everyday Situations

We use subtraction word problems every day when finding how many are left after something is taken away.

Real-Life Examples:
  • Problem: You had 6 cookies. You ate 2. How many cookies do you still have?
    Solution: 6 − 2 = 4
  • Problem: There are 10 chairs in the room. The teacher removes 4. How many chairs remain?
    Solution: 10 − 4 = 6
Try This

Make your own subtraction stories at home. Use toys, snacks, or books. Take some away and write the matching subtraction sentence.

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