📚 Understanding Word Problems: Addition vs. Subtraction
Word problems can sometimes feel like a puzzle! The key is to carefully read the problem and identify what it's asking you to do. Are you combining quantities (addition) or finding the difference between them (subtraction)? Let's dive in!
➕ Definition: Addition Word Problems
Addition word problems involve combining two or more quantities to find a total or sum. They often use keywords that indicate you need to add.
➖ Definition: Subtraction Word Problems
Subtraction word problems involve finding the difference between two quantities. They often use keywords indicating you need to take away or compare.
🆚 Comparison Table: Addition vs. Subtraction
| Feature |
Addition Word Problems |
Subtraction Word Problems |
| Goal |
Find the total or sum of quantities. |
Find the difference between quantities. |
| Keywords |
- ➕ plus
- ➕ sum
- ➕ total
- ➕ in all
- ➕ combine
- ➕ together
- ➕ and
|
- ➖ minus
- ➖ difference
- ➖ fewer
- ➖ less
- ➖ take away
- ➖ remain
- ➖ how many more
|
| Operation |
Combining quantities. |
Finding the difference. |
| Example Problem |
Sarah has 125 stickers, and Tom has 234 stickers. How many stickers do they have in all? |
Maria has 345 beads. She gives 152 beads to her friend. How many beads does Maria have left? |
| Mathematical Representation |
$125 + 234 = ?$ |
$345 - 152 = ?$ |
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 🔎 Read Carefully: Understand what the problem is asking before you start solving.
- ✍️ Identify Keywords: Look for keywords that indicate addition or subtraction.
- 🔢 Set up the Equation: Write out the equation using the correct operation.
- ✅ Check Your Work: Make sure your answer makes sense in the context of the problem.
✍️ Practice Quiz
- 🎒 Problem 1: A school has 345 students in 3rd grade and 412 students in 4th grade. How many students are there in total in both grades?
- 🍎 Problem 2: A farmer harvested 567 apples and sold 234 of them. How many apples are left?
- 🧸 Problem 3: Lisa has 215 toy cars. John has 132 toy cars. How many more toy cars does Lisa have than John?
- 🌳 Problem 4: There are 123 oak trees and 245 pine trees in a forest. How many trees are there in all?
- 🍪 Problem 5: A bakery made 456 cookies and sold 321 cookies. How many cookies are remaining?
- ⚽ Problem 6: A sports team scored 234 points in the first half and 156 points in the second half. What was their total score?
- 📚 Problem 7: A library had 678 books. It sold 145 books during a book sale. How many books are still in the library?
