Grade: Grade 1 Subject: Mathematics Unit: Addition & Subtraction Within 20 SAT: Algebra ACT: Math

Word Problems

Turn stories into math equations and solve them step by step

📖 Learn

Word problems are math problems told as stories. We need to read carefully, find the key words, and figure out if we should add or subtract.

Key Words for ADDITION (+)

These words usually mean we add:

  • in all - How many in all?
  • altogether - How many altogether?
  • total - What is the total?
  • more - She got 5 more
  • both - How many do both have?
  • joined - They joined together

Key Words for SUBTRACTION (-)

These words usually mean we subtract:

  • left - How many are left?
  • fewer - How many fewer?
  • difference - What is the difference?
  • take away - Take away 3
  • remain - How many remain?
  • gave away - She gave away 4

3 Steps to Solve Word Problems

  1. Read the problem carefully
  2. Find the numbers and key words
  3. Write the equation and solve

💡 Examples

Let's solve some word problems together!

Example 1: Addition Story

Sam has 8 apples. His mom gives him 6 more apples. How many apples does Sam have in all?
🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 + 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 = ?

Step 1: Find the numbers: 8 and 6

Step 2: Key word "in all" means ADD

8 + 6 = 14

Answer: Sam has 14 apples in all.

Example 2: Subtraction Story

There are 15 birds on a tree. 7 birds fly away. How many birds are left?
🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦 - 🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦 = ?

Step 1: Find the numbers: 15 and 7

Step 2: Key word "left" means SUBTRACT

15 - 7 = 8

Answer: There are 8 birds left on the tree.

Example 3: Comparison Story

Mia has 12 stickers. Tom has 5 stickers. How many more stickers does Mia have than Tom?
Mia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Step 1: Find the numbers: 12 and 5

Step 2: "How many more" means find the DIFFERENCE (subtract)

12 - 5 = 7

Answer: Mia has 7 more stickers than Tom.

✏️ Practice

Now it's your turn! Read each story and solve the problem.

Problem 1

Emma has 7 crayons. Her friend gives her 6 more crayons. How many crayons does Emma have altogether?
Need a hint?

"Altogether" means ADD. Write: 7 + 6 = ?

Problem 2

Jake had 14 toy cars. He gave 8 cars to his brother. How many cars does Jake have left?
Need a hint?

"Left" and "gave" mean SUBTRACT. Write: 14 - 8 = ?

Problem 3

There are 9 red balloons and 7 blue balloons at the party. How many balloons are there in all?
Need a hint?

"In all" means ADD. Write: 9 + 7 = ?

Problem 4

Mom baked 18 cookies. The family ate 13 cookies. How many cookies remain?
Need a hint?

"Remain" means SUBTRACT. Write: 18 - 13 = ?

Problem 5

8 ducks are swimming in the pond. 7 more ducks join them. How many ducks are swimming now?
Need a hint?

"Join" means ADD. Write: 8 + 7 = ?

Problem 6

Lily has 11 books. Ben has 7 books. How many more books does Lily have than Ben?
Need a hint?

"How many more" means find the difference (SUBTRACT). Write: 11 - 7 = ?

Problem 7

Dad picked 9 oranges in the morning. He picked 8 more oranges in the afternoon. What is the total number of oranges?
Need a hint?

"Total" means ADD. Write: 9 + 8 = ?

Problem 8

There were 20 students on the bus. 11 students got off at the first stop. How many students are left on the bus?
Need a hint?

"Got off" and "left" mean SUBTRACT. Write: 20 - 11 = ?

✅ Check Your Understanding

Think about these questions:

  • What key words tell you to ADD?
  • What key words tell you to SUBTRACT?
  • Why is it important to read the whole problem carefully?

Quick Review

Match each key word with the operation:

  • "altogether" = ADD
  • "left" = SUBTRACT
  • "total" = ADD
  • "gave away" = SUBTRACT

🚀 Next Steps

  • Practice writing your own word problems at home
  • Look for math in everyday situations (sharing snacks, counting toys)
  • Try the Common Mistakes lesson to avoid tricky errors