Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Subtraction word problems - up to 18
Subtraction word problems - up to 18
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify key information and numbers in subtraction word problems.
Translate verbal phrases into mathematical subtraction expressions.
Accurately solve subtraction word problems with totals up to 18.
Verify the reasonableness of solutions to subtraction problems.
Explain the steps taken to solve a subtraction word problem.
Distinguish between situations requiring subtraction and other operations.
Ever wonder how many cookies are left after your friends eat some? 🍪 Or how much change you'll get back? 🤔 Subtraction helps us figure out 'how many are left'!
In this lesson, we'll sharpen our skills in solving word problems that involve subtraction, specifically with numbers up to 18. Even though the numbers are small, the challenge is in...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or story format, requiring interpretation to identify the operation needed.Sarah had 15 apples and gave 3 away. How many does she have left?
SubtractionAn arithmetic operation that represents the removal of objects from a collection, or finding the difference between two numbers.15 - 3 = 12
MinuendThe number from which another number is subtracted. It is the starting or larger quantity in a standard subtraction problem.In 15 - 3 = 12, 15 is the minuend.
SubtrahendThe number that is subtracted from the minuend. It is the quantity being removed or compared.In 15 - 3 = 12, 3 is the subtrahend.
DifferenceThe result obtained when one number is subtracted from another.In 15 - 3 = 12, 12 is the difference.
Keywords...
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Core Formulas
The Subtraction Formula
\text{Minuend} - \text{Subtrahend} = \text{Difference}
This is the basic structure for any subtraction problem. The minuend is the starting quantity, the subtrahend is the quantity being removed or compared, and the difference is the result.
Identifying Key Information
Read the problem carefully to identify the starting amount (minuend), the amount being removed or compared (subtrahend), and what the question is asking you to find.
Underline or highlight the numbers and keywords to help translate the word problem into a mathematical expression.
Checking Your Answer
\text{Difference} + \text{Subtrahend} = \text{Minuend}
After finding the difference, add it to the subtrahend. If the sum equals the original minuend, your subtraction is likely cor...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A farmer has 17 sheep. He sells some of them at the market. His neighbor has 12 cows. To find out how many sheep the farmer has left, what key piece of information is missing from the problem?
A.The price of the sheep
B.The total number of animals on the farm
C.The number of cows the neighbor has
D.The number of sheep he sold
Challenging
Which of the following word problems best represents the mathematical expression '17 - 8'?
A.Jada had 17 marbles and found 8 more. How many does she have now?
B.There were 17 people on a bus. 8 people got off. How many people are left?
C.team scored 8 points in the first half and 17 in the second. What was their total score?
D.plant grew 8 inches one week and 17 inches the next. What is the difference in growth?
Challenging
A student explains their answer to '15 - 9 = 6' by saying, 'I used subtraction because the problem asked how many were left.' Why is this explanation incomplete for demonstrating full understanding?
A.It only identifies the operation but doesn't explain what the numbers 15, 9, and 6 represent in the context of the problem.
B.It fails to mention the checking formula, 6 + 9 = 15.
C.It does not define the terms minuend, subtrahend, and difference.
D.It is a complete and sufficient explanation.
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