Understanding Word Problems (+/-)

Front

What is subtraction?

Back

Subtraction is the mathematical operation of finding the difference between two numbers. It is represented by the symbol '-'. For example, in the equation 5 - 2 = 3, 2 is subtracted from 5.

Front

How do you determine which operation to use in a word problem?

Back

Look for keywords in the problem. Words like 'how many more', 'left', or 'fewer' often indicate subtraction, while 'total', 'combined', or 'in all' suggest addition.

Front

Sarah tosses a football 10 meters which is 2 meters farther than Jose. How far did Jose throw his football?

Back

Jose threw his football 8 meters (10 - 2 = 8).

Front

What operation do these words help you solve? 'How many more?'

Back

Subtraction.

Front

Mrs. Wright receives 2 boxes of books. One box has 157 books and the other box has 28 fewer books than box one. How many books are in box 2?

Back

Box 2 has 129 books (157 - 28 = 129).

Front

What operation do these words help you solve? 'In total'

Back

Addition.

Front

Josh had $15.00 to spend at the movie theater. He spent $8.50 on a movie ticket, $3.50 on a box of popcorn, and $1.75 on a soda. How much money did Josh have left?

Back

Josh had $1.25 left ($15.00 - $8.50 - $3.50 - $1.75 = $1.25).

Front

What is the symbol for addition?

Back

The symbol for addition is '+', which is used to combine two or more numbers.

Front

What is the symbol for subtraction?

Back

The symbol for subtraction is '-', which is used to find the difference between two numbers.

Front

If you have 10 apples and you give away 3, how many do you have left?

Back

You have 7 apples left (10 - 3 = 7).