Word problems with adding and taking away
A word problem is a little story about numbers. We read the story, then we add (+) or take away (−) to find the answer.
Key idea
Get more or put together → add (+). Give away, eat, or lose → take away (−).
Four easy steps
- Read the story slowly.
- Think: do we add or take away?
- Do the sum.
- Check your answer.
Worked example
Ali has 5 sweets. Mother gives him 3 more. How many now?
He gets more, so we add: 5 + 3 = 8 sweets.
Now Ali eats 2 sweets. How many are left?
He eats some, so we take away: 8 − 2 = 6 sweets.
We can draw the numbers or use our fingers to help us count. Always look for the small clue words in the story.
Remember
- Words like "more" and "in all" tell us to add.
- Words like "left" and "fly away" tell us to take away.
- Check your answer by counting again.