Problem Solving on Subtraction

Problem solving on subtraction will help us to get the idea on how to solve the basic subtraction statement problems.

1. Eight birds sat on a wire. Three birds flew away. How many were left?

Total number of birds sat on a wire = 8

Number of birds flew away = 3

Therefore, number of birds left = 8 - 3 = 5

2. Sam had 7 dollars. He spent 4 dollars. How many dollars is he left with?

Total amount of money Sam had = $7 He spent =$4

Therefore, amount of money left with him = $7 -$4 = \$3

3. Five boats were tied up. Four of the boats sailed away. How many were left?

Total number of boats tied up = 5

Number of boats sailed away = 4

Therefore, number of boats were left = 5 - 4 = 1

4. Ron had 10 stamps. His father took 2 stamps. How many stamps does Ron have now?

Total number of stamps Ron had = 10

Number of stamps his father took = 2

Therefore, number of stamps he have now = 10 - 2 = 8

5. Diana had 18 toffees. She gave 5 toffees to her friend. How many toffees left with her?

Total number of toffees Diana had = 18

Number of toffees she gave to her friend = 5

Therefore, number of toffees left = 18 - 5 = 13

More examples on statement problem solving on subtraction:

6. Mr. Daniel had 39 goats in a pasture. When he opened the pasture gate, 13 goats went out. How many goats remained in?

Total number of goats in a pasture Mr. Daniel had = 39

Number of goats went out = 13

Therefore, number of goats remained in = 39 - 13 = 26

7. Derek’s father is 47 years old. His mother is 35 years old. What is the difference of their ages?

Age of Derek’s father = 47 years

Age of his mother = 35 years

Therefore, difference of their ages = 47 - 35 = 12 years