Subtraction Keywords and Problem Solving in Grade 1 - Mathematics - Exercises with solutions

Master subtraction word problems: keyword identification, problem solving strategies, and contextual subtraction through these 10 detailed exercises.

Solutions: Exercises 1 to 10
1 Basic Keywords
Exercise 1
Tom has 8 🍎. He takes away 3 🍎. How many 🍎 does Tom have now?
Difficulty: Easy Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Keyword Identification
Definition:

Subtraction keywords: Words that indicate subtraction operations in word problems, signaling that objects are being removed from a group.

Note: Identifying keywords is the first step in solving word problems, helping students determine which operation to use.

Step-by-step keyword identification method:
  1. Read the entire problem carefully
  2. Identify the starting amount
  3. Look for keywords that indicate subtraction
  4. Set up the subtraction equation
Tom has 8 🍎. He takes away 3 🍎. How many 🍎 does Tom have now?
Takes away
How many
Now
8 - 3 = 5
1
Identify starting amount: Tom starts with 8 apples
2
Identify keyword: "takes away" indicates subtraction
3
Set up equation: 8 - 3 = ?
4
Solve: 8 - 3 = 5
5
Answer in context: Tom has 5 apples now
8 - 3 = 5
Final answer:

Tom has 5 apples now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "takes away" indicates subtraction

• Context understanding: Answer must match the question being asked

• Operation selection: Choose subtraction when objects are removed

• Practice Tip: Circle keywords like "take away," "gives," "eats," "loses"

Related Examples:
  • 10 - 4 = 6 (start with 10, take away 4)
  • 7 - 2 = 5 (start with 7, take away 2)
  • 9 - 3 = 6 (start with 9, take away 3)
Quick Tips:
  • Look for action words that mean "taking away"
  • Words like "take," "get rid of," "remove" also indicate subtraction
  • Always answer in the context of the original question
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What other words mean subtraction?
A: Words like "gives," "eats," "loses," "removes," "takes," "spends," "uses," "breaks," "flies away," "disappears."

Q: What if the problem has no clear keyword?
A: Look for the action happening to the objects. If they're going away or being reduced, it's subtraction.

2 Taking Away
Exercise 2
There are 12 🐰 rabbits in the park. 5 🐰 rabbits run away. How many 🐰 rabbits are still in the park?
Difficulty: Easy Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Action Word Recognition
Definition:

Action-based subtraction: Word problems that describe actions causing objects to leave a location or group, requiring subtraction to find what remains.

Note: These problems connect subtraction to physical movements and changes in location, making the concept more relatable.

Step-by-step action recognition method:
  1. Identify the initial count at the location
  2. Recognize the action word indicating removal
  3. Identify how many objects are affected by the action
  4. Subtract to find what remains at the location
There are 12 🐰 rabbits in the park. 5 🐰 rabbits run away. How many 🐰 rabbits are still in the park?
Run away
Still
How many
12 - 5 = 7
1
Identify starting amount: There were 12 rabbits in the park initially
2
Identify action: "run away" means rabbits leave the location
3
Set up equation: 12 - 5 = ?
4
Solve: 12 - 5 = 7
5
Answer in context: There are 7 rabbits still in the park
12 - 5 = 7
Final answer:

There are 7 rabbits still in the park.

Applied rules:

• Action identification: "run away" indicates objects leaving

• Location focus: Count only what remains at the specified location

• Temporal indicator: "still" refers to the current state after the action

• Practice Tip: Think of action words as "movement away" words

Related Examples:
  • 15 - 6 = 9 (start with 15, 6 fly away)
  • 8 - 3 = 5 (start with 8, 3 swim away)
  • 10 - 4 = 6 (start with 10, 4 walk away)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about where objects go when they "run away" or "fly away"
  • Focus on what remains in the original location
  • Remember that "still" means "what's left after the action"
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if the animals come back?
A: The problem asks about the current state after they ran away, so only count what's currently there.

Q: Can I count animals that moved to another location?
A: No, count only what remains at the original location mentioned in the problem.

3 Giving Away
Exercise 3
Sarah has 9 🍌. She gives 4 🍌 to her friend. How many 🍌 does Sarah have now?
Difficulty: Easy Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Sharing Concept
Definition:

Sharing subtraction: Word problems involving the act of giving objects to others, requiring subtraction to find what remains with the original owner.

Note: These problems connect subtraction to social interactions and sharing, which children experience in daily life.

Step-by-step sharing method:
  1. Identify the original amount owned
  2. Recognize the keyword indicating giving away
  3. Identify how many are given away
  4. Subtract to find the remaining amount
Sarah has 9 🍌. She gives 4 🍌 to her friend. How many 🍌 does Sarah have now?
Gives
Now
How many
9 - 4 = 5
1
Identify starting amount: Sarah starts with 9 bananas
2
Identify action: "gives" indicates items are transferred to someone else
3
Set up equation: 9 - 4 = ?
4
Solve: 9 - 4 = 5
5
Answer in context: Sarah has 5 bananas now
9 - 4 = 5
Final answer:

Sarah has 5 bananas now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "gives" indicates subtraction

• Ownership transfer: Given items are no longer owned by the original person

• Social context: Sharing and giving are common real-world scenarios

• Practice Tip: Remember that giving away means the items are permanently transferred

Related Examples:
  • 10 - 3 = 7 (start with 10, give away 3)
  • 6 - 2 = 4 (start with 6, give away 2)
  • 8 - 5 = 3 (start with 8, give away 5)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about who owns the items after giving
  • Remember that given items are no longer yours
  • Count carefully to ensure accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I get the items back later?
A: The problem asks about the current state, so only consider what's available now.

Q: Is giving away the same as lending?
A: No, lending implies returning; giving away means permanent transfer.

Solutions: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Eating Items
Exercise 4
Emma bought 7 🍪 cookies. She ate 3 🍪 cookies. How many 🍪 cookies does Emma have now?
Difficulty: Easy Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Consumption Concept
Definition:

Consumption subtraction: Word problems where items are consumed (eaten, drunk, used up), requiring subtraction to find what remains.

Note: These problems connect subtraction to daily activities like eating, making the concept relatable to children's experiences.

Step-by-step consumption method:
  1. Identify the original amount of consumable items
  2. Recognize the keyword indicating consumption
  3. Identify how many were consumed
  4. Subtract to find the remaining amount
Emma bought 7 🍪 cookies. She ate 3 🍪 cookies. How many 🍪 cookies does Emma have now?
Ate
Now
How many
7 - 3 = 4
1
Identify starting amount: Emma bought 7 cookies originally
2
Identify action: "ate" indicates consumption (items no longer available)
3
Set up equation: 7 - 3 = ?
4
Solve: 7 - 3 = 4
5
Answer in context: Emma has 4 cookies now
7 - 3 = 4
Final answer:

Emma has 4 cookies now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "ate" indicates subtraction

• Consumption concept: Eaten items are no longer available

• Daily activity connection: Eating is a common experience for children

• Practice Tip: Consumed items cannot be recovered, so subtract permanently

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 2 = 6 (start with 8, eat 2)
  • 5 - 1 = 4 (start with 5, eat 1)
  • 10 - 4 = 6 (start with 10, eat 4)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about whether items can be recovered (food cannot)
  • Remember that consumed items are permanently gone
  • Count carefully to ensure accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I don't finish eating?
A: The problem states how many were eaten, so use that number.

Q: Can I get back what I ate?
A: No, eaten food cannot be recovered, so it's permanently subtracted.

5 Losing Objects
Exercise 5
Mike had 11 📏 rulers. He lost 6 📏 rulers. How many 📏 rulers does Mike have now?
Difficulty: Medium Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Losing Concept
Definition:

Losing subtraction: Word problems where items go missing or become unavailable, requiring subtraction to find what remains accessible.

Note: These problems help students understand subtraction in terms of items becoming unavailable due to misplacement or loss.

Step-by-step losing method:
  1. Identify the original amount owned
  2. Recognize the keyword indicating loss
  3. Identify how many were lost
  4. Subtract to find the remaining amount
Mike had 11 📏 rulers. He lost 6 📏 rulers. How many 📏 rulers does Mike have now?
Lost
Now
How many
11 - 6 = 5
1
Identify starting amount: Mike had 11 rulers originally
2
Identify action: "lost" indicates items are no longer available
3
Set up equation: 11 - 6 = ?
4
Solve: 11 - 6 = 5
5
Answer in context: Mike has 5 rulers now
11 - 6 = 5
Final answer:

Mike has 5 rulers now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "lost" indicates subtraction

• Availability concept: Lost items are no longer accessible

• Real-world connection: Losing items is a common experience

• Practice Tip: Lost means the items are gone permanently

Related Examples:
  • 9 - 3 = 6 (start with 9, lose 3)
  • 13 - 7 = 6 (start with 13, lose 7)
  • 8 - 2 = 6 (start with 8, lose 2)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about whether items are still available
  • Remember that lost items cannot be recovered in the problem
  • Count carefully to ensure accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I find the lost items later?
A: The problem asks about the current state, so only count what's available now.

Q: Is losing the same as giving away?
A: Both involve subtraction, but losing means you can't get them back.

6 Breaking Things
Exercise 6
David had 10 🖋️ pens. He broke 4 🖋️ pens. How many 🖋️ pens does David have now?
Difficulty: Medium Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Destruction Concept
Definition:

Destruction subtraction: Word problems where items become unusable due to damage, requiring subtraction to find functional items.

Note: These problems help students understand subtraction in terms of items becoming non-functional due to damage.

Step-by-step breaking method:
  1. Identify the original amount of usable items
  2. Recognize the keyword indicating destruction
  3. Identify how many were broken
  4. Subtract to find the remaining functional amount
David had 10 🖋️ pens. He broke 4 🖋️ pens. How many 🖋️ pens does David have now?
Broke
Now
How many
10 - 4 = 6
1
Identify starting amount: David had 10 pens originally
2
Identify action: "broke" indicates items became unusable
3
Set up equation: 10 - 4 = ?
4
Solve: 10 - 4 = 6
5
Answer in context: David has 6 pens now
10 - 4 = 6
Final answer:

David has 6 pens now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "broke" indicates subtraction

• Destruction concept: Broken items are no longer functional

• Usability focus: Count only items that can still be used

• Practice Tip: Broken means unusable, so subtract from usable count

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 2 = 6 (start with 8, break 2)
  • 12 - 5 = 7 (start with 12, break 5)
  • 7 - 1 = 6 (start with 7, break 1)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about whether items can still be used
  • Remember that broken items are no longer functional
  • Count only items that work properly
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I fix the broken items?
A: The problem asks about the current state, so only count items that currently work.

Q: Is breaking the same as losing?
A: Both involve subtraction, but breaking means items are damaged; losing means missing.

7 Selling Items
Exercise 7
Anna had 14 🎈 balloons. She sold 6 🎈 balloons. How many 🎈 balloons does Anna have now?
Difficulty: Medium Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Transaction Concept
Definition:

Selling subtraction: Word problems involving the exchange of items for money, requiring subtraction to find remaining inventory.

Note: These problems introduce economic concepts while reinforcing subtraction, connecting math to commerce.

Step-by-step selling method:
  1. Identify the original amount owned
  2. Recognize the keyword indicating sale
  3. Identify how many were sold
  4. Subtract to find the remaining amount
Anna had 14 🎈 balloons. She sold 6 🎈 balloons. How many 🎈 balloons does Anna have now?
Sold
Now
How many
14 - 6 = 8
1
Identify starting amount: Anna had 14 balloons originally
2
Identify action: "sold" indicates items were transferred in exchange
3
Set up equation: 14 - 6 = ?
4
Solve: 14 - 6 = 8
5
Answer in context: Anna has 8 balloons now
14 - 6 = 8
Final answer:

Anna has 8 balloons now.

Applied rules:

• Keyword identification: "sold" indicates subtraction

• Ownership transfer: Sold items are permanently transferred

• Economic connection: Selling involves exchange and ownership change

• Practice Tip: Selling means permanent removal from your possession

Related Examples:
  • 12 - 5 = 7 (start with 12, sell 5)
  • 9 - 3 = 6 (start with 9, sell 3)
  • 15 - 8 = 7 (start with 15, sell 8)
Quick Tips:
  • Think about who owns the items after selling
  • Remember that sold items are no longer yours
  • Count carefully to ensure accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I buy the items back?
A: The problem asks about the current state after selling, so only count what's available now.

Q: Is selling the same as lending?
A: No, selling means permanent transfer; lending implies returning.

Rules and Methods for Subtraction Word Problems
Starting\ Amount - Amount\ Taken\ Away = Remaining\ Amount
Basic Subtraction Word Problem Formula

Subtraction Word Problem Concepts

📊
Problem Reading
Read carefully to understand the situation
🔍
Keyword Identification
Find words that indicate subtraction
📝
Equation Setup
Convert words to mathematical operation
✅
Solution Verification
Check if answer makes sense
Key Subtraction Keywords
1
Gives, takes, eats, loses, breaks, sells, flies away, pops, uses, spends
2
Left, remains, still, how many, what's left, fewer, difference
3
Removes, throws away, shares, donates, drops, runs away
Common Keywords
Gives
Takes
Eats
Loses
Breaks
Sells
Question Words
How many
Left
Now
Remaining
Still

Key Takeaways

Questions & Answers

Question: My child struggles with identifying subtraction keywords in word problems. How can I help them become better at recognizing these words?

Answer: Here are effective strategies for keyword recognition:

  • Create a keyword chart: List subtraction words with examples and post it where your child can see it
  • Color coding: Use different colored pens to circle different types of keywords
  • Practice sorting: Give your child cards with words to sort into "addition" and "subtraction" piles
  • Real-world connections: Point out subtraction keywords in daily life situations
  • Repetitive reading: Read problems multiple times to identify keywords

Regular exposure and practice with keyword identification will strengthen this skill over time.

Question: Sometimes I don't know if a problem wants me to add or subtract. How do I figure it out?

Answer: Look for these key words and actions:

  • Subtraction words: gives, takes, eats, loses, breaks, sells, flies away, pops, uses, left, remain, fewer, difference
  • Addition words: gets, receives, finds, buys, collects, adds, more, total, altogether

Also think about what's happening: if objects are going away, it's subtraction. If objects are coming together, it's addition.

Example: "Sarah has 7 rabbits and gives 2 away" → giving away means subtraction: 7 - 2 = 5.

Always ask yourself: "Are things getting more or fewer?"

Question: How can I help my child check if their answer makes sense in the word problem?

Answer: Teach these verification strategies:

  • Estimation: Does the answer seem reasonable based on the numbers?
  • Addition check: Add the answer to the subtracted amount to see if you get the original
  • Context check: Does the answer fit the situation described?
  • Logical check: Is the answer smaller than the starting number (for subtraction)?
  • Re-read: Go back to the problem to ensure the question was answered correctly

These habits promote mathematical reasoning and accuracy.

Detailed Summary

This comprehensive guide covers subtraction word problems for 1st grade, focusing on identifying key words and solving real-world scenarios. Students learn to translate verbal descriptions into mathematical operations, developing both reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning skills. Word problems help students connect abstract mathematical concepts to concrete, everyday situations, making math more meaningful and applicable.

Core Concepts and Definitions
Core Rules and Principles
Step-by-Step Methods and Procedures
Examples (Simple to Advanced)
Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls
Key Notes for Memorization
Explanation for Students

Word problems help you use math in real life. When you read a problem, look for words that tell you to subtract, like "gives," "eats," "loses," or "left." Find the starting number and the number being taken away. Subtract to find what's left. Always read the question carefully to know what answer to give. Draw pictures if it helps you understand. Check that your answer makes sense in the story.

Math Glossary

Subtraction Word Problem
A mathematical problem presented in narrative form that requires subtraction to find the solution.
Minuend
The number from which another number is subtracted; the starting amount in a subtraction problem.
Subtrahend
The number being subtracted; the amount taken away from the minuend.
Difference
The result of a subtraction problem; what remains after subtracting.
Keyword
A word that indicates a mathematical operation (e.g., "left," "gives," "eats").
Context
The real-world situation described in the word problem that gives meaning to the mathematical operation.

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