Subtraction Word Problems Worksheets in Grade 1 - Mathematics - Exercises with solutions

Master subtraction word problems: apples taken away, birds flying away, toys lost, cookies eaten through these 10 detailed exercises.

Solutions: Exercises 1 to 10
1 Apples Taken Away
Exercise 1
Sarah had 8 apples. She ate 3 apples. How many apples does she have now?
Difficulty: Beginner Time: ~3 minutes Skills: Basic Subtraction
Definition:

Subtraction: Taking away a certain number from another number

Word problem: A math problem presented in a story format

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting amount (what Sarah had)
  2. Identify how much was taken away (what was eaten)
  3. Subtract the taken amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
8 apples
Taken Away
3 apples
Remaining
5 apples
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Sarah started with 8 apples

Step 2: Identify taken away amount

She ate 3 apples

Step 3: Subtract

8 - 3 = 5

8 - 3 = 5
Final answer:

Sarah has 5 apples now.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Take away: Keywords like "ate" or "took" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what happened to the original amount

• Practice Tip: Use fingers or counters to visualize the subtraction

Related Examples:
  • 5 - 2 = 3 (5 apples, eat 2, have 3 left)
  • 7 - 4 = 3 (7 toys, give away 4, have 3 left)
  • 6 - 1 = 5 (6 cookies, eat 1, have 5 left)
Quick Tips:
  • Look for keywords like "took", "ate", "gave away", "lost" for subtraction
  • Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number
  • Count backwards to check your answer
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know it's subtraction?
A: Look for words like "took", "ate", "gave", "lost" - these mean something is being taken away.

Q: What if I get a negative number?
A: You won't in kindergarten! The number taken away is always smaller than the starting number.

2 Birds Flying Away
Exercise 2
There were 6 birds on a tree. 2 birds flew away. How many birds are left on the tree?
Difficulty: Beginner Time: ~3 minutes Skills: Visual Subtraction
Definition:

Subtraction: Finding how many are left after some are taken away

Flying away: A common action indicating subtraction in word problems

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (birds on tree)
  2. Identify how many went away (flew away)
  3. Subtract the gone amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
6 birds
Went Away
2 birds
Remaining
4 birds
Step 1: Identify starting amount

There were 6 birds on the tree

Step 2: Identify taken away amount

2 birds flew away

Step 3: Subtract

6 - 2 = 4

6 - 2 = 4
Final answer:

There are 4 birds left on the tree.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Action words: "Flew away" indicates subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after some leave

• Practice Tip: Draw pictures to help visualize the problem

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 3 = 5 (8 butterflies, 3 fly away, 5 stay)
  • 9 - 4 = 5 (9 fish, 4 swim away, 5 stay)
  • 7 - 1 = 6 (7 cats, 1 runs away, 6 stay)
Quick Tips:
  • Actions like "fly away", "swim away", "run away" mean subtraction
  • Draw or imagine the scene to understand what's happening
  • Count what's left after the action happens
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if more birds come?
A: Then it would be addition: birds came TO the tree.

Q: Can I add if birds fly away?
A: No, "away" means leaving, so always subtract.

3 Toys Lost
Exercise 3
Tom had 9 toys. He lost 4 toys. How many toys does he have now?
Difficulty: Beginner Time: ~3 minutes Skills: Subtraction with Loss
Definition:

Lost: Something that is no longer available, indicating subtraction

Remaining: What is left after some has been taken away

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (toys Tom had)
  2. Identify how many were lost
  3. Subtract the lost amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
9 toys
Lost
4 toys
Remaining
5 toys
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Tom started with 9 toys

Step 2: Identify lost amount

He lost 4 toys

Step 3: Subtract

9 - 4 = 5

9 - 4 = 5
Final answer:

Tom has 5 toys now.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Loss words: "Lost", "misplaced", "missing" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after loss

• Practice Tip: Use toy counters to physically demonstrate the problem

Related Examples:
  • 10 - 6 = 4 (10 marbles, lose 6, have 4 left)
  • 7 - 3 = 4 (7 crayons, lose 3, have 4 left)
  • 8 - 5 = 3 (8 stickers, lose 5, have 3 left)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "lost", "misplaced", "missing", "broken" mean subtraction
  • Think: "How many did I START with?" and "How many did I LOSE?"
  • Count what's still available after the loss
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I find the toys later?
A: Then it would be addition: finding toys adds to what you have.

Q: How do I know if it's lost or found?
A: "Lost" means subtraction, "found" means addition.

Solutions: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Cookies Eaten
Exercise 4
Mom baked 10 cookies. The children ate 6 cookies. How many cookies are left?
Definition:

Eaten: Consumed food, indicating subtraction from the original amount

Left: What remains after some has been consumed or taken away

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (cookies baked)
  2. Identify how many were eaten
  3. Subtract the eaten amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
10 cookies
Eaten
6 cookies
Remaining
4 cookies
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Mom baked 10 cookies

Step 2: Identify eaten amount

The children ate 6 cookies

Step 3: Subtract

10 - 6 = 4

10 - 6 = 4
Final answer:

There are 4 cookies left.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Consumption words: "Ate", "drank", "consumed" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after consumption

• Practice Tip: Use actual cookies or counters to demonstrate

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 3 = 5 (8 cupcakes, eat 3, 5 left)
  • 12 - 7 = 5 (12 candies, eat 7, 5 left)
  • 5 - 2 = 3 (5 crackers, eat 2, 3 left)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "ate", "drank", "ate up", "finished" mean subtraction
  • Food problems often involve eating, drinking, or sharing
  • Count what's still uneaten after the consumption
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if someone bakes more?
A: Then it would be addition: baking more adds to what exists.

Q: Can I eat more than I have?
A: No, in word problems, you can only eat what's available.

5 Balloons Popped
Exercise 5
Sam had 7 balloons. 3 balloons popped. How many balloons does he have now?
Definition:

Popped: Burst or broken, indicating subtraction from the original amount

Destroyed: Something that no longer exists, meaning it's subtracted

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (balloons Sam had)
  2. Identify how many were destroyed (popped)
  3. Subtract the destroyed amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
7 balloons
Popped
3 balloons
Remaining
4 balloons
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Sam started with 7 balloons

Step 2: Identify popped amount

3 balloons popped

Step 3: Subtract

7 - 3 = 4

7 - 3 = 4
Final answer:

Sam has 4 balloons now.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Destruction words: "Popped", "broke", "destroyed" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after destruction

• Practice Tip: Draw balloons and cross out the popped ones

Related Examples:
  • 9 - 4 = 5 (9 bubbles, 4 pop, 5 remain)
  • 6 - 2 = 4 (6 soap bubbles, 2 burst, 4 remain)
  • 8 - 5 = 3 (8 soap bubbles, 5 disappear, 3 remain)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "popped", "burst", "broke", "destroyed" mean subtraction
  • These problems often involve fragile items that can break
  • Count what's still intact after the destruction
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I blow up more balloons?
A: Then it would be addition: adding more balloons.

Q: Can I pop more than I have?
A: No, in word problems, only existing items can be destroyed.

Solutions: Exercises 6 to 10
6 Books Given Away
Exercise 6
Lily had 5 books. She gave 2 books to her friend. How many books does she have now?
Definition:

Given away: Distributed or donated items, indicating subtraction

Sharing: Giving part of what you own to others, reducing your amount

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (books Lily had)
  2. Identify how many were given away
  3. Subtract the given amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
5 books
Given Away
2 books
Remaining
3 books
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Lily started with 5 books

Step 2: Identify given amount

She gave 2 books to her friend

Step 3: Subtract

5 - 2 = 3

5 - 2 = 3
Final answer:

Lily has 3 books now.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Giving words: "Gave", "shared", "donated", "distributed" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after giving away

• Practice Tip: Use book counters to physically demonstrate giving

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 3 = 5 (8 pencils, give 3, have 5 left)
  • 7 - 4 = 3 (7 erasers, share 4, have 3 left)
  • 6 - 1 = 5 (6 markers, give 1, have 5 left)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "gave", "shared", "donated", "distributed" mean subtraction
  • These problems often involve kindness and sharing
  • Count what's still yours after sharing
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if someone gives me books?
A: Then it would be addition: receiving adds to what you have.

Q: Can I give away more than I have?
A: No, in word problems, you can only give what you possess.

7 Cars Driven Away
Exercise 7
There were 8 cars in the parking lot. 3 cars drove away. How many cars are left?
Definition:

Driven away: Vehicles that left the location, indicating subtraction

Movement words: Actions that result in items leaving a place

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (cars in parking lot)
  2. Identify how many left (drove away)
  3. Subtract the departed amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
8 cars
Drove Away
3 cars
Remaining
5 cars
Step 1: Identify starting amount

There were 8 cars in the parking lot

Step 2: Identify departed amount

3 cars drove away

Step 3: Subtract

8 - 3 = 5

8 - 3 = 5
Final answer:

There are 5 cars left in the parking lot.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Movement words: "Drove away", "left", "went", "moved" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains after departure

• Practice Tip: Use toy cars to act out the scenario

Related Examples:
  • 6 - 2 = 4 (6 buses, 2 leave, 4 stay)
  • 9 - 5 = 4 (9 trucks, 5 drive away, 4 remain)
  • 7 - 3 = 4 (7 bicycles, 3 ride away, 4 stay)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "drove away", "left", "went", "moved" mean subtraction
  • Transportation problems often involve movement
  • Count what's still in the original location after movement
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if more cars arrive?
A: Then it would be addition: arriving adds to what's there.

Q: Can more cars leave than are there?
A: No, in word problems, only existing vehicles can leave.

8 Flowers Wilted
Exercise 8
Sarah planted 10 flowers in her garden. 4 flowers wilted. How many flowers are still alive?
Definition:

Wilted: Plants that have died or deteriorated, indicating subtraction

Still alive: What remains healthy after some have deteriorated

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (flowers planted)
  2. Identify how many wilted (died)
  3. Subtract the wilted amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
10 flowers
Wilted
4 flowers
Alive
6 flowers
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Sarah planted 10 flowers

Step 2: Identify wilted amount

4 flowers wilted

Step 3: Subtract

10 - 4 = 6

10 - 4 = 6
Final answer:

There are 6 flowers still alive.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Deterioration words: "Wilted", "died", "withered" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains healthy after deterioration

• Practice Tip: Draw flowers and mark the wilted ones

Related Examples:
  • 8 - 3 = 5 (8 trees, 3 die, 5 live)
  • 9 - 5 = 4 (9 plants, 5 wither, 4 thrive)
  • 7 - 2 = 5 (7 seedlings, 2 die, 5 survive)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "wilted", "died", "withered", "deteriorated" mean subtraction
  • Plant problems often involve growth and decline
  • Count what's still healthy after the decline
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if more flowers grow?
A: Then it would be addition: new growth adds to what exists.

Q: Can more flowers die than were planted?
A: No, in word problems, only existing flowers can deteriorate.

9 Stickers Shared
Exercise 9
Emma had 12 stickers. She shared 5 stickers with her sister. How many stickers does Emma have now?
Definition:

Shared: Distributed to others, indicating subtraction from personal amount

Personal possession: What remains with the original owner after sharing

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (stickers Emma had)
  2. Identify how many were shared
  3. Subtract the shared amount from the starting amount
Starting Amount
12 stickers
Shared
5 stickers
Remaining
7 stickers
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Emma started with 12 stickers

Step 2: Identify shared amount

She shared 5 stickers with her sister

Step 3: Subtract

12 - 5 = 7

12 - 5 = 7
Final answer:

Emma has 7 stickers now.

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number

• Sharing words: "Shared", "gave", "distributed" indicate subtraction

• Problem solving: Find what remains with the original owner

• Practice Tip: Use actual stickers to demonstrate sharing

Related Examples:
  • 15 - 6 = 9 (15 coins, share 6, have 9 left)
  • 11 - 4 = 7 (11 beads, give 4, have 7 left)
  • 13 - 8 = 5 (13 buttons, share 8, have 5 left)
Quick Tips:
  • Words like "shared", "gave", "distributed", "handed out" mean subtraction
  • These problems often involve generosity and kindness
  • Count what's still yours after sharing
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if someone shares with me?
A: Then it would be addition: receiving adds to what you have.

Q: Can I share more than I have?
A: No, in word problems, you can only share what you possess.

10 Mixed Problems
Exercise 10
Jake had 15 marbles. He lost 3 marbles and gave 4 marbles to his friend. How many marbles does he have now?
Definition:

Mixed operations: Problems involving multiple subtraction actions

Sequential subtraction: Performing subtraction in steps, one after another

Step-by-step solution method:
  1. Identify the starting number (marbles Jake had)
  2. Subtract the first amount lost (3 marbles)
  3. Subtract the second amount given away (4 marbles)
  4. Find the final amount remaining
Starting Amount
15 marbles
First Subtraction
15 - 3 = 12
Second Subtraction
12 - 4 = 8
Final Amount
8 marbles
Step 1: Identify starting amount

Jake started with 15 marbles

Step 2: Subtract first loss

He lost 3 marbles: 15 - 3 = 12

Step 3: Subtract second loss

He gave 4 marbles to his friend: 12 - 4 = 8

Step 4: Find final amount

Jake has 8 marbles now

15 - 3 - 4 = 8
Final answer:

Jake has 8 marbles now.

Applied rules:

• Sequential subtraction: Perform each subtraction step by step

• Multiple losses: Each action reduces the total amount

• Problem solving: Track the amount after each action

• Practice Tip: Solve one subtraction at a time in order

Related Examples:
  • 20 - 5 - 3 = 12 (20 toys, lose 5, give 3, have 12 left)
  • 18 - 6 - 4 = 8 (18 stickers, lose 6, share 4, have 8 left)
  • 14 - 2 - 7 = 5 (14 cookies, eat 2, give 7, have 5 left)
Quick Tips:
  • For multiple subtractions, solve them one at a time
  • Keep track of the amount after each subtraction
  • Each action reduces the total from the previous step
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know the order of operations?
A: Follow the order events happen in the story.

Q: Can I subtract all amounts at once?
A: Yes: 15 - (3 + 4) = 15 - 7 = 8, but step-by-step is easier.

Key Concepts, Rules, and Definitions
8 - 3 = 5
Subtraction Equation
Key definitions:

Subtraction: Taking away a certain number from another number

Minuend: The number being subtracted from (the starting amount)

Subtrahend: The number being subtracted (the amount taken away)

Difference: The result of subtraction (what's left)

Complete methodology:
  1. Read carefully: Understand what the problem is asking
  2. Identify key words: Look for subtraction indicators ("ate", "lost", "gave", etc.)
  3. Find numbers: Locate the starting amount and amount taken away
  4. Perform subtraction: Calculate the difference
  5. Check answer: Make sure it makes sense in the context
Tip 1: Look for key words like "left", "remaining", "how many now" for subtraction.
Tip 2: Draw pictures or use counters to visualize the problem.
Tip 3: Always check if your answer is smaller than the starting number.
Tip 4: Practice with real objects to make abstract concepts concrete.
Common errors: Adding instead of subtracting, misreading key words, forgetting to subtract.
Success strategies: Identify key words, draw pictures, check answers, practice regularly.
Rules to remember:

• Subtraction key words: "ate", "lost", "gave", "flew away", "popped", "left", "remaining"

• Direction: Always subtract the smaller number from the larger number

• Result: The answer should be smaller than the starting number

• Verification: Add the answer back to the subtracted amount to check

• Visualization: Draw or count objects to understand the concept

Rules and Methods for Subtraction Word Problems
Starting Amount - Taken Away = Remaining
Subtraction Formula
Key Words
Action Words
Take away, eat, lose, give, fly away, pop
Process
Steps to Solve
Read, Identify, Calculate, Check
Check
Verification
Answer + Taken Away = Starting Amount

Key Takeaways

  • Subtraction word problems involve taking away from a starting amount
  • Look for key words that indicate subtraction
  • Always start with the bigger number and subtract the smaller number
  • Draw pictures or use objects to visualize the problem
  • Check your answer by adding it back to the subtracted amount

Questions & Answers

Question: I don't know when to add and when to subtract in word problems. How do I figure it out?

Answer: Great question! Here's how to tell the difference:

  • Addition words: "more", "added", "got", "received", "joined", "total", "altogether"
  • Subtraction words: "ate", "lost", "gave", "flew away", "popped", "left", "remaining", "how many now"

Think about what happens:

  • If something is being taken away, subtract
  • If something is being added, add

Example: "Sarah had 5 apples and ate 2" → "ate" means subtraction → 5 - 2 = 3

Practice tip: Act out the problem with your hands or use toys!

Question: My child is struggling with subtraction word problems. What can I do to help?

Answer: Here are effective strategies to help your child:

  • Use concrete objects: Counters, blocks, or toys to physically demonstrate subtraction
  • Draw pictures: Visual representations help children understand the concept
  • Read together: Have your child read the problem aloud slowly
  • Identify key words: Point out subtraction indicators together
  • Practice regularly: Short, consistent sessions work better than long ones

Example activity: Use 8 crackers, eat 3, count how many are left. Then write 8 - 3 = 5.

Be patient and celebrate small successes to build confidence!

Question: What if my answer is bigger than the starting number? Did I do something wrong?

Answer: Yes, if your subtraction answer is bigger than the starting number, something went wrong!

In subtraction, you're taking away, so the answer should always be smaller than the starting number.

Check these things:

  • Did you subtract the right numbers? (Maybe you mixed up which number to subtract)
  • Did you add instead of subtract? (Check the key words again)
  • Did you count correctly?

Example: If you started with 7 and took away 3, your answer should be 4, not 10!

Rule: In subtraction, the answer is always smaller than the first number!

Subtraction Glossary

Subtraction
Taking away a certain number from another number to find how many are left.
Minuend
The number that is being subtracted from (the first number in a subtraction sentence).
Subtrahend
The number that is being subtracted (the second number in a subtraction sentence).
Difference
The answer to a subtraction problem, showing how many are left after subtraction.
Word Problem
A math problem presented in a story format that requires mathematical operations to solve.

Math Excellence Educational Team

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Our team of experienced elementary math teachers and curriculum developers creates research-based, student-friendly subtraction resources. All content is aligned with Common Core State Standards and reviewed by mathematics education experts to ensure accuracy and pedagogical effectiveness. We specialize in helping young learners master foundational mathematical concepts through visual and interactive approaches.

Comprehensive Summary for Learning and Revision

  • Definition of Subtraction: Subtraction is the mathematical operation of taking away a certain number from another number to find how many are left. In word problems, this involves removing items from a group.
  • Key Concepts:
    • Minuend: The starting number (what you have at the beginning)
    • Subtrahend: The number being taken away
    • Difference: The result (what's left after subtraction)
    • Keywords: Words that indicate subtraction (ate, lost, gave, flew away, popped, left, remaining)
  • Core Rules:
    • Always subtract the smaller number from the larger number
    • The answer should be smaller than the starting number
    • Look for key words that indicate subtraction is needed
    • Check your answer by adding it back to the subtracted amount
  • Step-by-Step Method:
    1. Read the problem carefully and understand what's happening
    2. Identify the starting number (minuend)
    3. Identify how many are being taken away (subtrahend)
    4. Write the subtraction equation
    5. Solve the equation
    6. Check if your answer makes sense in the context of the problem
  • Examples (Simple to Advanced):
    • Simple: 5 - 2 = 3 (5 apples, eat 2, have 3 left)
    • Moderate: 8 - 3 = 5 (8 birds, 3 fly away, 5 stay)
    • Advanced: 15 - 4 - 3 = 8 (15 marbles, lose 4, give 3, have 8 left)
  • Tips and Tricks:
    • Use fingers, counters, or drawings to visualize the problem
    • Circle or underline key numbers and words in the problem
    • Always check if your answer is reasonable
    • Practice with real-life scenarios (eating snacks, sharing toys)
  • Common Pitfalls:
    • Adding instead of subtracting
    • Subtracting the larger number from the smaller number
    • Misreading the key words in the problem
    • Forgetting to check if the answer makes sense
  • Memorization Aids:
    • "Take away" means subtraction
    • Answers get smaller when you subtract
    • Look for action words that mean something is leaving
    • Subtraction is the opposite of addition
  • Application Strategies:
    • Read the problem multiple times if needed
    • Act out the scenario with physical objects
    • Draw pictures to represent the situation
    • Verify your answer by adding it back