Word Problems with Addition & Subtraction

Learn how to read, understand, and solve real-world math problems!

Introduction

Word problems take math and put it into real-life situations. You’ll read a short story, figure out what the question is asking, decide whether to use addition or subtraction, and then solve it.

How to Solve Word Problems

  1. Read the problem carefully.
  2. Underline the important numbers.
  3. Decide: Do I need to add or subtract?
  4. Write the equation.
  5. Solve it!

Example 1: Addition

Sam has 23 marbles. His friend gives him 17 more. How many marbles does Sam have now?

We are adding because Sam is getting more marbles.

Equation: 23 + 17 = 40

Example 2: Subtraction

Lisa has 45 balloons. 18 of them flew away. How many balloons does Lisa still have?

We are subtracting because some balloons went away.

Equation: 45 - 18 = 27

Practice Problems

1) Alex has 36 apples. He eats 12 of them. How many apples are left?

2) Mia has 28 pencils. Her teacher gives her 14 more. How many pencils does Mia have now?

3) A bus has 60 people. At the next stop, 25 people get off. How many people are still on the bus?

4) Emma reads 15 pages on Monday and 27 pages on Tuesday. How many pages did she read in total?

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