Subtraction sentences for word problems – numbers up to 10

Understanding Subtraction

  • Subtraction is taking away or finding the difference between two numbers.
  • Symbols: Use the minus sign (-) and the equal sign (=).

Subtraction Sentences

  • A subtraction sentence is a mathematical expression, e.g., 8 − 3 = 5.
  • The first number is the minuend (the total or starting number).
  • The second number is the subtrahend (the number being taken away).
  • The result is the difference.

Numbers Up to 10

  • Focus on subtraction within the range of 0 – 10.
  • Examples: 10 − 5 = 5, 6 − 2 = 4, 7 − 7 = 0 .

Using Word Problems

  • Word problems describe real-life scenarios.
  • Example: “Lily had 7 apples. She gave 3 to her friend. How many does she have left?”
  • Write the subtraction sentence: 7−3 = 4 .

Steps to Solve Word Problems

  • Step 1: Read the problem carefully.
  • Step 2: Identify the total, the part taken away, and what is left.
  • Step 3: Write the subtraction sentence.
  • Step 4: Solve the subtraction sentence.

Learn with an example

🔷Harper has finished reading 4 pages in her library book. The book has a total of 5 pages. How many pages does Harper have left to read?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of pages Harper already read from the total number of pages. First write:

  • 5 − 4

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 5 and 4:

  • 5 − 4 = 1

🔷Mandy has finished reading 2 pages in her library book. The book has a total of 4 pages. How many pages does Mandy have left to read?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of pages Mandy already read from the total number of pages. First write:

  • 4 − 2

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 4 and 2:

  • 4 − 2 = 2

🔷Wendy works at a women’s clothing store. Yesterday, a total of 5 customers shopped at the store and 2 bought skirts. How many customers did not buy skirts?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of customers who bought skirts from the total number of customers. First write:

  • 5 − 2

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 5 and 2:

  • 5 − 2 = 3

Let’s practice!