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W.1 Subtraction word problems - up to two digits

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What are subtraction word problems?

Subtraction word problems are math questions written in words where you take away a smaller number from a larger number to find what is left. In second grade, you will often subtract a one-digit number from a two-digit number.

Example:
  • “There are 27 apples in a basket. If 6 apples are eaten, how many apples are left?”
Note

Look for key words like how many left, take away, or fewer to know it is a subtraction problem.

How to solve subtraction word problems

To solve, read the problem carefully, decide what is being taken away, and choose a subtraction strategy that helps you find the answer.

Steps:
  • Step 1: Read the problem. Example: “There are 34 birds. 5 fly away. How many are still there?”
  • Step 2: Write the subtraction equation: 34 − 5 = ?
  • Step 3: Use a strategy (count back, place value, or break apart).
  • Step 4: Solve: 34 − 5 = 29.
Note

Always check your work by adding the answer back to the number you subtracted. Example: 29 + 5 = 34 ✔

Strategies for subtraction

Different strategies can help you subtract two-digit and one-digit numbers more easily.

Strategies:
  • Counting back: Start at the bigger number and count back the smaller number.
    Example: 46 − 3 → count back 45, 44, 43 → Answer: 43
  • Place value: Break apart the tens and ones.
    Example: 52 − 4 → 52 is 50 + 2. Subtract 4 from 2 ones. You need to regroup: 50 + 2 becomes 40 + 12. Then 12 − 4 = 8. Answer: 48.
  • Break apart the small number: Split the one-digit number to make it easier.
    Example: 63 − 7 → first subtract 3 to get to 60, then subtract 4 more. Answer: 56.
Note

Choose the strategy that makes the problem easiest for you. Sometimes counting back is faster, and other times breaking apart helps more.

Examples in sentences

See how subtraction word problems look when written in full sentences.

Examples:
  • “A tree has 28 apples. 9 apples fall down. How many are still on the tree?”
    Equation: 28 − 9 = 19
  • “There are 45 pencils in a box. 7 are taken out. How many pencils are left?”
    Equation: 45 − 7 = 38
  • “A farmer has 36 cows. 4 walk into the barn. How many are still outside?”
    Equation: 36 − 4 = 32
Note

Always write the subtraction equation that matches the story. This helps you stay organized and check your answer.

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