Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Subtraction Word Problems
Subtraction is used to calculate the remaining number from the two given numbers. There are certain basic rules to the concept of subtraction word problems.
We have to find the larger number out of the two given numbers. Then we have to find out the number which has to be subtracted from the larger number. We always start by subtracting the digits which are on the rightmost side. Further, the tens place digits are subtracted, then the hundredth, and so on.
We will be looking at the subtraction sums for Class 1, subtraction sums for Class 2, subtraction sums for Class 4, and subtraction sums for Class 5. These all sums would be based on the subtraction word problems. Let us start by subtraction sums for Class 1.
Subtraction Word Problems for Class 1
Word Problems are a little advanced form of subtraction problems. Firstly, we need to understand the story behind the text. Afterward, we need to identify the larger number and the number which is to be subtracted from the larger number.
Let us take an example to understand this.
Mike bought 12 pens from a shop on Monday. He gave 6 pens to Will on Tuesday. How many pens are left with Mike?
To understand this question we have to look at the story behind this question.
Pens bought by Mike = 12
Pens given to Will by Mike = 6
Number of pens left with Mike = 12 - 6
The answer to this would be 6 pens.
In the worksheet given below, there are three questions attached to a story. Children have to solve all the questions carefully. These questions will help them in understanding all the problems in a better manner.
Worksheet for Word Problems
Subtraction Sums for Class 2
In the subtraction word problems for class 2, the digits are either 3 or 4 in the problems. For this, we need to keep the concept of place value in mind while solving the questions.
Let us take an example to understand this better.
Meena has 400 Rs. with her given to her as pocket money. Meena spent 200 Rs. in the fair where she bought toys, candies, and clothes. How much money is left with her?
Total money Meena has = Rs. 400
Money spent in fair = Rs. 200
Remaining money with Meena = 400 - 200
The answer to this question would be Rs. 200.
These kinds of questions can be moulded in various ways to make kids grasp the concept well and understand it fully.
Subtraction Sums for Class 4
In Class 4, the concepts are given an advanced level by including subtraction with borrowing concepts. These problems are the same as before except the borrowing part is added.
Let us take an example of the same.
Rony has 1846 marbles won by him in a contest. Rony decided to give 547 marbles to his sister Nancy. How many marbles are left with him?
Total number of marbles Rony has = 1846
Rony gave marbles to his sister = 547
Marbles left with Rony = 1846 - 547
Now as we know that 7 cannot be subtracted from 6 so a carry will be given to him by 4. Now 4 would become 3 and 2 will also need a carry from 8 to subtract 4 from it.
Likewise, the subtraction will be solved and the answer would be 1299 Marbles.
Subtraction Sums for Class 5
In Class 5, the combination of addition and subtraction is given. This makes word problems even more complex.
Let us take an example of this.
Team Magnum scored 478 runs in the first innings and 345 runs in the second innings. Team Rodger scored 389 runs in the first innings and 472 runs in the second innings. Which team won the match and by how many runs?
To find the answer to this question, we have to take it step by step. Firstly, we have to add the score of both innings.
Team Magnum Score in First Innings + Team Magnum score in Second Inning
478 + 345 = 823 runs
Team Rodger score in First Innings + Team Roger score in Second Innings
389 + 472 = 861 runs
Now we can clearly see that Team Rodger has won the match, to find out by how many runs it has won we have to subtract the run of Team Magnum out of the score of Team Rodger.
861- 823 = 38 Runs
Team Rodger won by 38 runs.
Solved Examples
Q1. If Mohan plants 5 saplings on day 1 and 15 on day 2, how many saplings does he plant more on day 2?
Ans: Saplings planted on Day 2 = 15
Saplings planted on Day 1 = 5
Saplings planted more in = 15 - 5 = 10
On Day 2, he planted 10 more saplings.
Q2. Sita ran for 1500 metres on Sunday and 2500 metres on Tuesday. Which day did she run more?
Ans: Metre on Sunday = 1500
Metre on Tuesday = 2500
2500 - 1500 = 1000 metres
She ran more metres on Tuesday.
Worksheet
Practice on Your Own
Q1. Soumya went 200 km far from home to Calcutta, then she went 500 km from Calcutta to another place? How much more does she walk in second place from Calcutta?
Ans: 500 - 200 = 300 Kilometres
Q2. Meena made 20 cakes on Monday and 55 on Tuesday? How many more did she make on Tuesday?
Ans: 55 - 20 = 35 cakes.
Summary
Subtraction Word Problem-based questions are extremely important for students to learn. These questions help them to connect these concepts in their daily lives. Students must connect these concepts while counting money, going to shops, etc. these will help them in understanding the advanced level of problems as well.
FAQs on Subtraction Word Problems Made Simple
1. What are subtraction word problems?
Subtraction word problems are math exercises that describe situations where you need to find out how much is left or how much has been taken away. These problems help students practice subtraction by using real-life examples and developing problem-solving skills.
2. How do you solve subtraction word problems?
To solve subtraction word problems, follow these steps:
- Read the problem carefully.
- Identify what is being taken away.
- Write a subtraction equation.
- Solve it and check your work by re-reading the question.
3. Why are subtraction word problems important in math?
Subtraction word problems are important because they help students connect math to real-life situations. Practicing these problems improves critical thinking and reinforces the concept of taking away or comparing numbers in everyday scenarios, making math more meaningful.
4. What keywords indicate subtraction in word problems?
Common subtraction keywords in word problems include
- "less than"
- "left"
- "remain"
- "difference"
- "fewer"
5. Can subtraction word problems involve more than two numbers?
Yes, subtraction word problems can include more than two numbers. In some cases, you might subtract several amounts from a starting number. The solution involves performing multiple subtraction operations to find the final result.
6. How do you write a subtraction equation from a word problem?
To write a subtraction equation from a word problem, identify the starting quantity and what is taken away. For example, if you have 10 apples and give away 3, write $10 - 3 = 7$ to show the equation for the problem.
7. What is a good example of a subtraction word problem?
A simple subtraction word problem example is: "Maria has 12 balloons. She gave 5 balloons to her friend. How many balloons does Maria have left?" The answer is $12 - 5 = 7$ balloons remaining with Maria.
8. How can subtraction word problems help with real-life math skills?
Solving subtraction word problems helps develop real-life math skills like budgeting, shopping, and measuring. Understanding how much is left after spending or using amounts prepares students to apply subtraction in daily activities confidently and correctly.
9. What strategies can students use for tricky subtraction word problems?
For challenging subtraction word problems, students can:
- Draw pictures or diagrams
- Underline keywords
- Break down the problem into parts
- Double-check calculations
10. How are subtraction and addition word problems different?
Subtraction word problems focus on taking away or finding what is left, while addition word problems involve combining amounts. Recognizing keywords and understanding whether quantities are increasing or decreasing helps distinguish between these two types of problems.
