Subtraction Word Problems – 1-Digit Numbers

Math basic concept on subtraction word problems - 1-digit numbers for the first grade. To understand the word problems with different digits combinations read the question carefully and follow the steps provided.

Suppose, a man had 7 apples, he ate 3 of them. How many apples are still left?

Here we know that when 3 things are taken from 7 things there are then 4 things left. Therefore, the answer to the question is 4 apples.

This subtraction sum may be written down in either of the following ways:

7 – 3 = 4

or

We notice that to subtract 3 from 7 is the same as finding what must beaded to 3 to make 7. 

This is a good way of doing subtraction sums. Thus, in subtracting 3 from 7 you say in your mind ’3 and how many more make 7?’ The answer is 4.

Worked-out examples on subtraction word problems – 1-digit numbers:

1. There are 4 kites in all. 2 of the kites are crossed out to show that they are being taken away. What number do you get when you start with 4 and take away 2?

To find 4 minus 2, count the kites that are not crossed out.

There are 2 kites left. When you start with 4 and take away 2, you are left with 2.

So, 4 – 2 = 2

2. There are 5 footballs in all. 3 of the footballs are crossed out to show that they are being taken away or lost. What number do you get when you start with 5 and take away 3?

To find 5 minus 3, count the footballs that are not crossed out.

There are 2 footballs left. When you start with 5 and take away 3, you are left with 2.

So, 5 – 3 = 2

3. There are 9 ice-creams in all. 3 of the ice-creams are crossed out to show that they are being taken away or eaten. What number do you get when you start with 9 and take away 3?

To find 9 minus 3, count the ice-creams that are not crossed out.

There are 6 ice-creams left. When you start with 9 and take away 3, you are left with 6.

So, 9 – 3 = 6

4. 6 birds were sitting on a branch, 4 flew away. How many are left on the branch?

Solution:

Number of birds sitting on a brach of a tree = 6

Number of birds flew away = 4

6 - 4 = 2

Therefore, 2 birds are left on the branch.

5. You had 5 balls. You gave 2 balls to your friend. How many balls have you now?

Solution:

Number of balls you had = 5

Number of balls gave to your friend = 2

5 - 2 = 3

Therefore, you have 3 balls now.

6. You had 9 pens. You lost 5 pens. How many pens have you now?

Solution:

Number of pens you had = 9

Number of pens you lost = 5

9 - 5 = 4

Therefore, you have 4 pens now.

7. There were 8 players in the play-ground. 3 of them came back home. How many players are in the ground?

Solution:

Number of players in the play-ground = 8

Number of players came back home = 3

8 - 3 = 5

There are 5 players in the ground now.

8. James got 7 dollars from his mother. He bought a pen for 4 dollars. How much dollars has James now?

Solution:

7 - 4 = 3

Therefore, James has 3 dollars n ow.

9. I had 5 pencils. I gave 1 pencil to my sister. How many pencils are left with me now?

Solution:

Number of pencils I had = 5

Number of pencil I gave to my sister = 1

5 - 1 = 4

Therefore, 4 pencils left with me now.

10. There are 9 students in your class room. 3 students are absent today. How many students are there in the class?

Solution:

Number of students in your class = 9

Number of students absent today = 3

9 - 3 = 6

Therefore, there are 6 students in the class.

11. Jack had 8 dollars. He bought a book for 8 dollars. How much Dollars has he now?

Solution:

8 - 8 = 0

Therefore, Jack has 0 dollar now.

First Grade Math Activities

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