Subtraction Word Problems - Up to 20
🕵️♂️ Clue alert! When reading stories with numbers up to 20, keep your eyes open for hidden subtraction words!
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Word problems can be tricky, but you are a math detective. Your job is to find the subtraction clues!
🎯 Secret Subtraction Words: When you see these words, the story is usually asking you to subtract (-): * "Left" (How many are left?) * "Fewer" * "More than" (in comparison, like "How many more than...") * "Take away" * "Gave away" * "Ate" / "Broke" / "Lost"
Example: "There were 14 balloons at the party. 5 balloons popped. How many balloons are left?" * Clues: "Popped" (they are gone), "Left". This means SUBTRACT! * Numbers: 14 and 5. * Equation: 14 - 5 = ? * Answer: 9 balloons are left.
Try it
Let's solve the mysteries!
Instructions: Read the story, find the clues, write the equation, and solve.
Problem 1: Farmer Bob had 17 apples in his basket. He gave 8 apples to his horses. How many apples are left? * Clue words: "gave", "left" * Equation: ___ - ___ = ___ * Answer: ___ apples
Problem 2: There are 15 kids waiting in line for the slide. 6 kids go down the slide. How many kids are still waiting in line? * Equation: ___ - ___ = ___ * Answer: ___ kids
Problem 3: You have 20 crayons. 9 of them are broken. How many crayons are NOT broken? * Answer: ___ crayons