Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Addition is the process of finding the total or sum by combining two or more numbers.

Subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another.

You add the number of new items to the original number of items.

You subtract the number of items taken away from the original number.

Subtract the number of red balloons from the total: 70 - 32 = 38 green balloons.

Subtract the number of seashells she has from the total she wants: 64 - 27 = 37 more seashells.

You subtract the smaller quantity from the larger quantity.

Subtract Alyssa's cookies from Jordan's: 68 - 42 = 26 more cookies.

You add the number of new items to the original group to find the new total.

Add the number of birds that flew in to the original number: 79 + 21 = 100 birds.