Word Problems: Add or Subtract?

Front

What is the first step in solving a word problem that involves addition?

Back

Identify the total amount or quantities being combined.

Front

What is the first step in solving a word problem that involves subtraction?

Back

Identify the total amount and the amount being taken away.

Front

If a word problem asks for the total of two quantities, what operation should you use?

Back

Addition.

Front

If a word problem asks how much more one quantity is than another, what operation should you use?

Back

Subtraction.

Front

What does it mean to 'add' in a word problem?

Back

To combine two or more quantities to find a total.

Front

What does it mean to 'subtract' in a word problem?

Back

To take away a quantity from another to find the difference.

Front

Example of an addition word problem: 'Sarah has 150 apples, and she buys 50 more. How many apples does she have now?' What is the operation?

Back

Addition.

Front

Example of a subtraction word problem: 'Tom had 200 marbles, and he lost 75. How many marbles does he have left?' What is the operation?

Back

Subtraction.

Front

What is a key phrase that indicates you should add in a word problem?

Back

'In total' or 'combined'.

Front

What is a key phrase that indicates you should subtract in a word problem?

Back

'How many more' or 'left'.