Grade 1
  1. Numbers and Counting  1.1. Counting to 10  1.2. Counting to 20  1.3. Counting to 50  1.4. Counting to 100  1.5. Writing Numbers 1 to 10  1.6. Writing Numbers 1 to 20  1.7. Writing Numbers 1 to 50  1.8. Writing Numbers 1 to 100  1.9. Reading Numbers 1 to 10  1.10. Reading Numbers 1 to 20  1.11. Reading Numbers 1 to 50  1.12. Reading Numbers 1 to 100  1.13. Comparing Numbers  1.14. Ordering Numbers  1.15. Odd and Even Numbers  1.16. Number Patterns  1.17. Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s  1.18. Understanding Zero
  2. Basic Addition and Subtraction  2.1. Understanding Addition  2.2. Addition Facts within 10  2.3. Addition Facts within 20  2.4. Adding Zero  2.5. Adding One More  2.6. Adding Two More  2.7. Adding Three More  2.8. Adding Using Pictures  2.9. Addition Word Problems  2.10. Understanding Subtraction  2.11. Subtraction Facts within 10  2.12. Subtraction Facts within 20  2.13. Subtracting Zero  2.14. Subtracting One  2.15. Subtracting Two  2.16. Subtraction Using Pictures  2.17. Subtraction Word Problems  2.18. Introduction to Doubles Facts  2.19. Introduction to Making 10
  3. Place Value and Number Sense  3.1. Understanding Tens and Ones  3.2. Counting by Tens  3.3. Place Value within 20  3.4. Place Value within 50  3.5. Place Value within 100  3.6. Reading and Writing Two-Digit Numbers  3.7. Comparing Two-Digit Numbers  3.8. Decomposing Numbers
  4. Measurement  4.1. Length  4.1.1. Comparing Lengths  4.1.2. Measuring with Non-Standard Units  4.1.3. Using Standard Units (Inches and Centimeters) in Length  4.2. Weight  4.2.1. Comparing Weights  4.2.2. Heavy and Light Objects  4.2.3. Introduction to Grams and Pounds  4.3. Capacity  4.3.1. Comparing Capacity  4.3.2. Full and Empty  4.3.3. Introduction to Liters and Milliliters  4.4. Time  4.4.1. Telling Time to the Hour  4.4.2. Telling Time to the Half Hour  4.4.3. Days of the Week  4.4.4. Months of the Year  4.4.5. Understanding Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow  4.5. Money  4.5.1. Recognizing Coins  4.5.2. Counting Coins  4.5.3. Introduction to Dollar and Cents Symbols  4.5.4. Simple Addition and Subtraction with Money
  5. Geometry  5.1. 2D Shapes  5.1.1. Recognizing 2D Shapes  5.1.2. Drawing 2D Shapes  5.1.3. Naming 2D Shapes  5.1.4. Properties of 2D Shapes  5.1.5. Sorting 2D Shapes  5.1.6. Composing Simple Shapes  5.2. 3D Shapes  5.2.1. Recognizing 3D Shapes  5.2.2. Naming 3D Shapes  5.2.3. Properties of 3D Shapes  5.2.4. Sorting 3D Shapes  5.3. Position and Direction  5.3.1. Left and Right  5.3.2. Above and Below  5.3.3. Inside and Outside  5.3.4. Near and Far  5.3.5. In Front and Behind
  6. Patterns and Sorting  6.1. Recognizing Patterns  6.2. Extending Patterns  6.3. Creating Patterns  6.4. Sorting by Color  6.5. Sorting by Shape  6.6. Sorting by Size
  7. Data and Graphing  7.1. Introduction to Data  7.2. Collecting Data  7.3. Tally Marks  7.4. Bar Graphs  7.5. Picture Graphs  7.6. Interpreting Simple Graphs
  8. Fractions  8.1. Understanding Halves  8.2. Understanding Fourths  8.3. Dividing Shapes into Equal Parts  8.4. Identifying Equal and Unequal Parts

Grade 1 → Basic Addition and Subtraction ↓


Subtraction Word Problems


Subtraction word problems are an important part of learning basic arithmetic, especially for young minds in grade 1. Subtraction is one of the fundamental operations in math and provides a strong foundation for future math learning. Learning through word problems helps children understand the practical application of subtraction in everyday life. In this explanation, we will explore subtraction word problems in depth using simple language and lots of examples for clarity.

Understanding subtraction

Subtraction is subtracting one number from another. It is the opposite of addition. The answer to a subtraction problem is called the "difference." Subtraction is shown using the minus sign -. For example, in the expression 5 - 3 = 2, 5 is the subtracted, 3 is the subtracted, and 2 is the difference:

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5 - 3 = 2

Subtraction word problem examples

Let us understand subtraction word problems with different examples. Word problems often involve real-life scenarios like counting apples, balls or toys. Let us look at a simple word problem:

Example 1: Apples in the basket

There are 10 apples in a basket. If you eat 3 apples, how many apples are left in the basket?

To solve this, we take the original number of apples and subtract the number of apples eaten:

Apples left = Total apples - Apples eaten
Apples left = 10 – 3
Apples left = 7
10 apples- 3 apples were eaten= 7 apples left

Example 2: Counting balls

You have 12 balls. You give 4 balls to your friend. How many balls do you have now?

You start with 12 balls and are given 4, so you subtract 4 from 12:

Remaining balls = Initial balls - Given balls
Remaining balls = 12 – 4
Remaining balls = 8
12 balls- 4 balls given= 8 balls remaining

Example 3: Toys on the shelf

There are 15 toys on the shelf. You take 5 toys to play with. How many toys are left on the shelf?

Subtract the number of toys removed from the total number of toys:

Toys left = Total toys - Toys taken
Remaining toys = 15 – 5
Remaining toys = 10
15 Toys- 5 toys were taken= 10 toys left

Making subtraction word problems fun

To make learning subtraction more interesting for children, try using their favorite toys or snacks. Use colorful objects to represent the numbers in the problem. This approach helps children visualize the subtraction process, making it easier to understand. Let's look at more scenarios:

Example 4: Cookies on a plate

You have 8 cookies on your plate. You eat 2 cookies. How many cookies are left?

Start with 8 cookies and eat 2 of them:

Cookies left = Total cookies - Cookies eaten
Remaining cookies = 8 - 2
Remaining cookies = 6
8 cookies- 2 cookies were eaten= 6 cookies left

Example 5: Cars in a toy box

There are 9 toy cars in a box. You take out 3 cars to play with. How many cars are left in the box?

There are 9 toy cars in the beginning. After removing 3:

Cars left = Total cars - Cars removed
Remaining cars = 9 – 3
Remaining cars = 6
9 Cars- 3 cars were taken= 6 cars left

Creating your own subtraction word problems

Encouraging children to create their own subtraction word problems promotes critical thinking and enhances their problem-solving skills. Start with simple scenarios they are familiar with and gradually increase the complexity as they become more comfortable. Let them use toys, snacks, or even family members to create fun stories.

Example 6: Forming your problem

Create a problem around a context, such as their favourite animal or TV character. For example:

"Anna has 7 teddy bears. She gave 2 bears to her friend. How many teddy bears does she have now?"

Can you solve it? Let's use the subtraction method to find the answer:

Bears left = Total teddy bears - Bears given away
Bears left = 7 - 2
Bears left = 5
7 Bears- 2 bears given= 5 bears left

Troubleshooting common mistakes

Sometimes, young learners can find subtraction problems challenging. Common mistakes include miscounting, reversing the order of numbers, or misinterpreting the word problem. To help prevent these mistakes:

  • Encourage children to read the problem carefully and identify the numbers involved.
  • Use objects or pictures to help children visualize the subtraction process.
  • Ask them to cross out or remove the correct number of objects to find the difference.
  • Practice regularly with different scenarios to build confidence and familiarity.

Conclusion

Subtraction word problems provide a great way for children to develop their subtraction skills, while also teaching them how to apply math to real-world scenarios. By practicing with a variety of problems and using visual aids, children can become more comfortable with subtraction. Encourage creativity in problem creation, and provide guidance to ensure understanding. With these tools, young learners will master subtraction word problems with ease!


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Subtraction Word Problems

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