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T.1 Subtraction word problems - up to 20

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Understanding Subtraction Word Problems

Word problems help us understand how subtraction is used in everyday life. In this lesson, we practice solving subtraction problems with numbers up to 20.

Examples:
  • Problem: Emma has 15 marbles. She gives 6 to her friend. How many marbles does she still have?
    Solution: 15 − 6 = 9
  • Problem: There are 18 birds in the tree. 7 fly away. How many birds are left?
    Solution: 18 − 7 = 11
Helpful Hint

Always look for the total amount at the start, how many are taken away, and what you need to find.

Finding What Is Left

Subtraction word problems usually ask us to find what is left after some are taken away. The answer is called the difference.

Examples:
  • Problem: Jack has 20 pencils. He gives 8 to his classmates. How many pencils are left?
    Solution: 20 − 8 = 12
  • Problem: A basket holds 14 apples. You eat 5. How many apples remain?
    Solution: 14 − 5 = 9
Helpful Hint

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

Using Objects and Drawings

We can use counters, drawings, or objects to solve subtraction problems. Show what we start with and cross out what is taken away.

Examples:
  • Problem: Mia has 12 toy cars. She gives 4 away. How many cars does she still have?
    Solution: Draw 12 cars, cross out 4. Count the rest: 12 − 4 = 8
  • Problem: There are 10 balloons. 6 pop. How many are left?
    Solution: Use counters: 10, take away 6. Left: 4. So, 10 − 6 = 4
Helpful Hint

Try using coins, blocks, or drawing pictures. Cross out or move the objects to see how many remain.

Solving with a Number Line

A number line helps us subtract by starting at the first number and hopping backward.

Examples:
  • Problem: Alex has 17 stickers. He gives 9 away. How many does he have left?
    Solution: Start at 17 on the number line. Move 9 hops back. Land on 8. So, 17 − 9 = 8.
  • Problem: There are 12 birds in a tree. 7 fly away. How many remain?
    Solution: Start at 12, hop back 7. Land on 5. So, 12 − 7 = 5.
Helpful Hint

When subtracting, always hop to the left. Each hop makes the number smaller.

Practice with Everyday Situations

We use subtraction every day to find how many are left when something is taken away.

Real-Life Examples:
  • Problem: You had 16 cookies. You ate 7. How many cookies do you still have?
    Solution: 16 − 7 = 9
  • Problem: There are 20 chairs in the classroom. The teacher removes 5. How many chairs remain?
    Solution: 20 − 5 = 15
Try This

Make up your own subtraction stories with toys, snacks, or books. Take some away and write the subtraction sentence that matches.

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