K-5 friendly lesson
Try one idea, then jump into the activity.These lessons are designed to feel short, friendly, and easy to follow.

Word Problems: Addition and Subtraction Mix (No Comparisons)

šŸ•µļøā€ā™€ļø 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!

Lesson 1

Concept

Now that you can do addition and subtraction fluently, word problems will mix them together! šŸŽÆ **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.