Mathematics
Grade 1
15 min
Subtraction word problems - numbers up to 10
Subtraction word problems - numbers up to 10
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify 'take away' words in a story problem.
Draw a picture to show a subtraction story.
Write a number sentence for a subtraction word problem.
Solve subtraction word problems with numbers up to 10.
Use objects or fingers to find the answer.
Explain how they solved the problem.
You have 5 shiny balloons 🎈. If 2 fly away, how many are left? Let's learn how to find out!
We will learn to solve math stories. These stories are called word problems. It's like being a detective to find the missing number!
Real-World Applications
Sharing your toys with a friend.
Eating yummy snacks from your plate.
Seeing birds fly away from a tree.
Giving stickers to your family.
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Word ProblemA math story that asks a question. We use numbers to solve it.There are 6 cats. 2 cats run away. How many cats are left? 🐈
SubtractionTaking things away from a group. The group gets smaller.Starting with 4 cookies and eating 1 is subtraction. 🍪
Minus Sign (-)The symbol that means 'take away' or 'subtract'.We write 5 - 2. It means 5 take away 2.
Equals Sign (=)The symbol that means 'is the same as'. It shows the answer.5 - 2 = 3. The answer is 3.
How many are left?A question that asks for the answer after you take some away.You had 7 balls. You lost 3. How many are left? ⚽
3
Core Formulas
The Subtraction Sentence Rule
\text{Starting Number} - \text{Number Taken Away} = \text{Number Left}
This is how we write a subtraction problem. We start with the total, take some away, and find the answer.
The Big Number First Rule
\text{Bigger Number} - \text{Smaller Number} = \text{Answer}
In our stories, we always start with the bigger group. The bigger number always goes first!
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Challenging
Leo had some toys. He gave 4 toys to his friend. Now he has 5 toys left. How many toys did Leo have at the start?
A.1
B.9
C.5
D.4
Challenging
Ana picked some berries. She ate 2 berries on the way home. She has 7 berries left. How many berries did Ana pick at first?
A.9
B.5
C.7
D.2
Challenging
You have 10 dollars. You buy a juice for 3 dollars and a sticker for 2 dollars. How much money do you have left?
A.7
B.8
C.5
D.15
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