Use Cube Trains to Solve Subtraction Word Problems - Up to 10
š Let's decouple some train cars! Cube trains are perfect for showing how things are taken away in subtraction stories.
Concept
When you have a subtraction word problem, a "cube train" (blocks snapped together) is a great tool. šÆ **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. š¦š¦š¦š¦š¦š¦š¦š¦ 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. š¦š¦š¦š¦š¦ 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 = ___