$simple addition and subtraction word problems$

SIMPLE ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION WORD PROBLEMS HOW TO

To solve this problem, start by adding 5 + 3 to get 8. How many pieces of candy does Jack have now? Then he found 3 more pieces on the ground. Some word problems will require you to use both addition and subtraction. With a little practice, you'll be able to solve any subtraction word problem that comes your way! The key to solving these problems is carefully reading and identifying what is being asked. This leaves him with 6 pieces of candy.Īs you can see, several different types of word problems involve subtraction. How many pieces of candy does George have left? To solve this problem, we need to take the 4 pieces of candy away from the 10 pieces of candy George started with. This leaves her with 1 and 3/4 pounds of flour left.įinally, let's look at a word problem that asks us to subtract from a whole number.

To solve this problem, we need to take the 2 and 1/4 pounds of flour away from the 4 pounds of flour Mrs. She uses 2 and 1/4 pounds of flour to bake cookies. Now let's try a word problem that asks us to find the difference between two numbers. To solve this problem, we need to compare the two quantities and figure out how much greater one is than the other. Let's look at an example of a compare quantities word problem. There are several types of subtraction problems that typically demand you to compare quantities, find the difference, and subtract from whole numbers.Ĭompare Quantities - There are word problems that ask students to look at two different situations and compare them using the given values. So there are 10 animals in the shelter altogether.

How many animals are in the shelter in total? To solve this problem, add 7 + 3 to get 10. If a word problem asks you to find the total amount, sum, or combined quantity of a group of things, you need to use addition.įor example: There are 7 dogs and 3 cats in the animal shelter. Keywords that indicate subtraction: the difference, less, fewer, decreases, subtract, remaining, etc. Keywords that indicate addition: together, sum, more, increase, combined, in total. The key to identifying and solving these problems is remembering the keywords. I also find that many students benefit from making drawings about what is going on in each problem. Remember with word problems it all about the process. Check that the equations are setup correctly. I will often practice dozens of problems with students by just having them writing these equations. Start by having students write a simple equation that explains the relationship. Once we have this down, it is time to bring the numbers back. It is helpful for students to build a math vocabulary of what word attaches to each of those operators. Have students learn to answer if something is being added together or removed. At that point we need to focus on keywords that explains the relationship that is present. I encourage students to block out the numbers right away. They see the number and completely forget that the first thing you need to do is understand the mathematical relationship that is being expressed. The thing I encounter very often is that students get tripped up by focusing too heavily on the numbers themselves. When approaching these types of problems there are number of things that students are hazy on.

Word problems often include objects or numbers that represent other values.

SIMPLE ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION WORD PROBLEMS HOW TO

But how do you know which operation to use? This guide will show you how to identify a word problem that requires addition or subtraction and how to solve it.Ī word problem in math is a problem that can be solved by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Most word problems in math can be solved by using addition or subtraction. How to Identify a Word Problem That Requires Addition or Subtraction

Simple addition and subtraction word problems