Subtraction is taking away one number from another to find the difference. It helps us answer “How many are left?” or “How many more do we need?”
Think of subtraction as comparing or taking away. The answer to a subtraction problem is called the difference.
A subtraction word problem uses a story to show taking away or finding how many are left. You turn the words into a number sentence to solve it.
Look for words like left, remain, or how many more. These often signal subtraction.
Follow these steps when you read a subtraction word problem:
Always double-check your answer by rereading the problem and seeing if it makes sense in the story.
You can use pictures, counters, or number lines to help solve subtraction word problems. These tools make the problem easier to see.
Using drawings helps when the numbers are small and makes subtraction easier to understand.
Start with small numbers (less than 10) and subtraction answers up to 20. This will help build strong subtraction skills.
Practice subtraction every day. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate you will become.