Subtraction sentences for word problems – numbers up to 18

key notes :

Understanding Subtraction:

  • Subtraction is taking away one number from another.
  • The result is called the difference.

Subtraction Sentences:

  • A subtraction sentence is a mathematical statement showing subtraction, e.g., 8 – 3 = 5.
  • It consists of a “minuend” (the number to subtract from), a “subtrahend” (the number being subtracted), and the “difference” (the result).

Word Problems:

Word problems use real-life situations to apply subtraction.

Example: “There are 10 apples. 4 apples are eaten. How many apples are left?”

  • Subtraction sentence: 10 – 4 = 6.

Simple Number Range:

  • Focus on numbers up to 18 for simplicity, e.g., 18 – 6 = 12, 15 – 7 = 8.

Solving Word Problems:

  • Read the problem carefully to understand what is being subtracted.
  • Write the subtraction sentence based on the information given.
  • Solve the sentence to find the difference.

Learn with an example

🚦Tara had a birthday party and 7 classmates came. There were 2 boys from her class who came. How many girls from Tara’s class came to her birthday party?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.________

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of boys from the number of classmates. First write:

  • 7 − 2

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 7 and 2:

  • 7 − 2 = 5

🚦The Lane family is folding laundry. In all, there are 6 items of clothing to fold. 4 of these are already done. How many more items of clothing are left to fold?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.________

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of folded items of clothing from the total number of items of clothing. First write:

  • 6 − 4

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 6 and 4:

  • 6 − 4 = 2

🚦Meg and her dog Spot walked 1 block from the park to the store, then they walked home. The total distance they walked was 6 blocks. How many blocks is it from the store to Meg’s home?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.________

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of blocks between the park and the store from the total number of blocks. First write:

  • 6 − 1

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 6 and 1:

  • 6 − 1 = 5

Let’s practice!