Use Cube Trains to Solve Subtraction Word Problems - Up to 10
🚂 Let's decouple some train cars! Cube trains are perfect for showing how things are taken away in subtraction stories.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
When you have a subtraction word problem, a "cube train" (blocks snapped together) is a great tool.
🎯 How to Subtract with a Cube Train: Story: "Leo has a train with 8 cars. 3 cars break off. How many cars are left?" 1. Build the Start Number: Build a train with 8 cubes. This is your total amount. 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 2. Take Away (Break Off): Break off 3 cubes from the end of your train. 3. Count What's Left: You now have a train that is 5 cubes long. 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 4. Answer: 8 - 3 = 5
This helps you see exactly what happens when you subtract!
Try it
Let's practice breaking apart cube trains!
Instructions: Imagine the cube train. Break it apart to find the answer.
Problem 1: You build a train with 9 green cubes. You give 4 cubes to a friend. How many cubes are left in your train? * Imagine the train: 9 blocks * Take away: 4 blocks * Remaining: ___
Problem 2: Start with a 6-car train. Take away 2 cars. * 6 - 2 = ___
Problem 3: Start with a 10-car train. Take away 5 cars. * Sentence: ___ - ___ = ___ * Answer: ___
Problem 4: Start with a 7-car train. Take away 1 car. * 7 - 1 = ___