Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Add and subtract whole numbers: word problems
Add and subtract whole numbers: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify keywords and phrases that indicate addition or subtraction in word problems.
Translate real-world scenarios described in word problems into mathematical expressions involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers.
Solve single-step and multi-step word problems accurately using addition and subtraction of whole numbers.
Determine the reasonableness of solutions to word problems by using estimation or context clues.
Develop strategies for breaking down complex word problems into simpler, manageable steps.
Apply addition and subtraction of whole numbers to solve practical problems encountered in everyday life.
Ever wonder how many cookies are left after your friends visit, or how much money you need for that new video game? 🍪💰 Word problems he...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Whole NumbersThe set of non-negative numbers without fractions or decimals (0, 1, 2, 3, ...).In the problem 'Sarah has 15 apples and buys 10 more,' 15 and 10 are whole numbers.
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or story format, requiring you to extract information and perform calculations to find a solution.A baker made 250 cupcakes. He sold 185. How many are left?
KeywordsSpecific words or phrases in a word problem that often indicate which mathematical operation (addition or subtraction) to use.'Total,' 'sum,' 'in all,' 'altogether' often mean addition. 'Difference,' 'how many more,' 'left,' 'remain' often mean subtraction.
AdditionThe process of comb...
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Core Formulas
The 'READ-PLAN-SOLVE-CHECK' Strategy
Read the problem carefully, identify what is known and what needs to be found. Plan your strategy by choosing the correct operation(s). Solve the problem by performing the calculations. Check your answer to ensure it makes sense.
This systematic approach helps you tackle any word problem by ensuring you understand it, strategize, execute, and verify your solution.
Keyword Clues for Operations
Look for keywords:
* Addition: `sum`, `total`, `in all`, `altogether`, `combined`, `increase`, `more than`.
* Subtraction: `difference`, `how many more/less`, `left`, `remain`, `take away`, `decrease`, `fewer than`.
These keywords often provide strong hints about whether to add or subtract. However, always read the entire problem for co...
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Challenging
Two cargo ships leave a port. Ship A carries 12,500 tons of cargo. Ship B carries 15,200 tons. At the first stop, 3,000 tons are unloaded from Ship A and 5,000 tons are unloaded from Ship B. What is the new difference in the amount of cargo between the two ships?
A.2,700 tons
B.2,000 tons
C.700 tons
D.9,500 tons
Challenging
An author wrote a 90,000-word manuscript. In the first round of edits, she deleted 12,500 words and added 7,800 new words. In the second round, she deleted 5,600 words and added 3,200 new words. How many words are in the final manuscript?
A.82,900 words
B.72,900 words
C.97,100 words
D.120,100 words
Challenging
A factory produced 25,000 widgets. It sold 11,500 to Wholesaler A and 8,250 to Wholesaler B. Of the remaining widgets, 2,100 were found to be defective and were discarded. How many non-defective widgets were left?
A.19,750
B.5,250
C.3,150
D.7,350
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