Subtraction Word Problems for Class 5 | Grade 1 Mathematics

Master subtraction word problems with these 3 detailed exercises. Learn key concepts, problem-solving strategies, and mathematical reasoning.

Solution: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Apple Problem
Exercise 1
Sarah had 15 apples. She gave 7 apples to her friend. How many apples does Sarah have left?
Definition:

Subtraction word problem: A math problem presented in sentence form that requires finding the difference between two quantities.

Problem-solving method:
  1. Read the problem carefully
  2. Identify the total amount (minuend)
  3. Identify the amount being taken away (subtrahend)
  4. Write the subtraction equation
  5. Solve and check your answer
Total apples
15
Apples given away
7
Apples remaining
15 - 7 = 8
Step 1: Identify the total amount

Sarah started with 15 apples (this is the minuend)

Step 2: Identify the amount being subtracted

Sarah gave away 7 apples (this is the subtrahend)

Step 3: Write the subtraction equation

Total - Given away = Remaining: 15 - 7 = 8

Step 4: Solve the equation

15 - 7 = 8 apples remaining

Sarah has 8 apples left.
Final answer:

Sarah has 8 apples left.

Applied rules:

• Minuend: The number from which another number is subtracted

• Subtrahend: The number being subtracted

• Difference: The result of subtraction

2 Book Problem
Exercise 2
There were 24 books on the shelf. 9 books were borrowed by students. How many books are still on the shelf?
Definition:

Word problem structure: Contains key information including starting amount, amount removed, and question about remaining amount.

Total books
24
Books borrowed
9
Books remaining
24 - 9 = 15
Step 1: Identify the starting amount

There were 24 books on the shelf initially

Step 2: Identify the amount taken away

9 books were borrowed by students

Step 3: Set up the subtraction

Starting amount - Amount taken = Remaining amount: 24 - 9 = 15

Step 4: Calculate the result

24 - 9 = 15 books remaining

There are 15 books still on the shelf.
Final answer:

There are 15 books still on the shelf.

Applied rules:

• Key words: "borrowed," "taken," "removed" indicate subtraction

• Checking: Add the result back to the subtrahend to verify

• Verification: 15 + 9 = 24 ✓

3 Fish Tank Problem
Exercise 3
A fish tank had 18 fish. 5 fish died and were removed. How many fish are left in the tank?
Definition:

Real-world subtraction: Applying subtraction to practical situations involving taking away, losing, or removing items.

Initial fish
18
Fish removed
5
Fish remaining
18 - 5 = 13
Step 1: Identify the initial quantity

The fish tank originally had 18 fish

Step 2: Identify the quantity being removed

5 fish died and were removed from the tank

Step 3: Create the subtraction equation

Original amount - Removed amount = Remaining amount: 18 - 5 = 13

Step 4: Solve the equation

18 - 5 = 13 fish remaining in the tank

Step 5: Verify the answer

Check: 13 + 5 = 18 ✓

There are 13 fish left in the tank.
Final answer:

There are 13 fish left in the tank.

Applied rules:

• Problem keywords: "died," "removed," "left" suggest subtraction

• Verification: Always check by adding the result to the subtrahend

• Context: Understand the real-world situation described

Subtraction Word Problem Strategies
Minuend - Subtrahend = Difference
Basic Subtraction Structure
Key Words
Left, fewer, less, take away
Indicate subtraction needed
Problem Parts
Total - Taken = Remaining
Structure of word problems
Verification
Difference + Subtrahend = Minuend
Check your answer
Problem-Solving Steps
📊
Step 1: Read Carefully
Read the entire problem to understand the situation. Look for key information about starting amounts and amounts being taken away.
Step 2: Identify Numbers
Find the total amount (minuend) and the amount being subtracted (subtrahend). Circle or underline these numbers.
Step 3: Write Equation
Create the subtraction equation using the identified numbers: Total - Taken = Left.
Step 4: Solve & Check
Calculate the answer and verify by adding the result to the subtracted amount to get the original total.
Visual Representation
1
Start
2
Take Away
3
Remaining
Example: 15 - 7 = 8
15 total → 7 removed → 8 remaining
Subtraction Rules and Methods
Minuend - Subtrahend = Difference
Subtraction Components
Key definitions:

Minuend: The number being subtracted from (larger number)

Subtrahend: The number being subtracted (smaller number)

Difference: The result of the subtraction operation

Word problem: A mathematical problem expressed in ordinary language

Problem-solving methodology:
  1. Read the problem: Understand the context and what is being asked
  2. Identify numbers: Find the starting amount and amount being taken away
  3. Choose operation: Determine if subtraction is needed
  4. Solve: Perform the subtraction calculation
  5. Check: Verify the answer makes sense in the context
Tip 1: Look for key words like "left," "remaining," "how many more," "difference."
Tip 2: Draw pictures or use objects to visualize the problem.
Tip 3: Always check your answer by adding the difference to the subtrahend.
Tip 4: Make sure your answer is reasonable in the context of the problem.
Common errors: Reversing minuend and subtrahend, misreading the question, calculation mistakes.
Success strategies: Underline key information, draw models, check work systematically.
Essential facts to remember:

• Subtraction finds the difference between two numbers

• The minuend is always greater than or equal to the subtrahend

• Word problems require careful reading to identify operations

• Checking: Difference + Subtrahend = Minuend

• Key words indicating subtraction: left, fewer, less, take away, remain

Q&A: Subtraction Word Problems

Questions & Answers

Question: How do I know when a word problem needs subtraction instead of addition?

Answer: Great question! Look for specific clue words that indicate subtraction:

  • Words like "left," "remaining," "how many more," "difference," "less than"
  • "Took away," "gave," "used," "spend," "borrowed," "lost"
  • Questions asking "How many are left?" or "How many fewer?"

For example: "Tom had 10 candies and ate 3. How many are left?" The word "left" signals subtraction.

In contrast, addition usually involves words like "total," "altogether," "combined," "more," "added," "increased."

Question: My child struggles with word problems even though they understand basic subtraction. Any tips?

Answer: This is very common! Here are effective strategies:

  • Draw pictures: Have your child sketch the situation described in the problem
  • Act it out: Use physical objects (toys, blocks, coins) to represent the problem
  • Highlight key info: Circle numbers and underline important words
  • Retell the story: Have them explain the problem in their own words

Start with simple problems and gradually increase complexity. Consistent practice builds confidence!

Question: Sometimes I subtract the wrong way. How can I make sure I subtract correctly?

Answer: This happens to many students! Here's how to avoid it:

  • Identify the starting amount: This is always your first number (minuend)
  • Find what's being taken away: This is your second number (subtrahend)
  • Remember: Starting amount - Amount taken away = What remains
  • Check: Add your answer back to the amount taken away to get the starting amount

Example: "I had 12 cookies and ate 5. How many left?"

Starting: 12, Taken away: 5, So: 12 - 5 = 7. Check: 7 + 5 = 12 ✓