Word Problems: Addition and Subtraction Mix (No Comparisons)
🕵️♀️ The Mixed-Up Mystery Bag! In these stories, somebody is either getting more things, or losing things. But you have to figure out which one it is!
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Now that you can do addition and subtraction fluently, word problems will mix them together!
🎯 Action vs. Action: Forget about comparing for a minute. These stories are all about action! * Addition Action: Coming together, buying more, finding, joining, growing. * Subtraction Action: Leaving, breaking, eating, spending money, losing.
Example 1: "Ben had 13 crayons. He lost 4 of them. How many does he have?" * Action: Losing. (Subtraction) 13 - 4 = 9.
Example 2: "Mia had 6 shells. She found 8 more on the beach. How many does she have?" * Action: Finding. (Addition) 6 + 8 = 14.
Try it
Are they gaining or losing? You decide!
Instructions: Read the story, figure out the action (addition or subtraction), and solve.
Problem 1: 14 birds were sitting in a tree. 5 birds flew away to find food. How many birds are left in the tree? * Action: Flying away! Plus or Minus? _________ * Math sentence: ___ ___ ___ = ___ * Answer: ___ birds.
Problem 2: Sam baked 9 cookies. His sister baked 7 cookies. How many cookies did they bake in all? * Action: Putting together! Plus or Minus? _________ * Math sentence: ___ ___ ___ = ___ * Answer: ___ cookies.
Problem 3: You have 18 dollars. You spend 9 dollars on a new game. How much money do you have left? * Answer: ___ dollars.
Problem 4: A cat had 8 treats. Her owner gave her 6 more. How many treats did she eat? * Answer: ___ treats.