Subtraction word problems – up to 18

key notes :

What is Subtraction? ➖

  • Subtraction means taking away or finding the difference between two numbers.
  • Example: 10 – 4 = 6 (Take away 4 from 10, 6 left)

Understand the Problem 📖

Read the story carefully.

Identify what you start with (total) and what is taken away (part).

Look for keywords:

  • Take away ➖
  • Left ➖
  • Remain ➖
  • How many more/less ➖

Step 1: Identify Numbers 🔢

Find the total number and the number to subtract.

Example: “There are 15 apples. Tom ate 7 apples. How many apples are left?”

  • Total = 15
  • Taken away = 7

Step 2: Solve with Subtraction ➖

  • Use counting backward, number line, or mental math.
  • 15 – 7 = 8
  • ✅ Answer: 8 apples are left

Step 3: Check Your Answer ✔️

  • Add the remaining number and taken away number to see if it equals the total.
  • 8 + 7 = 15 ✅

Tips for Word Problems 💡

  • Always underline the numbers in the story.
  • Draw pictures or use objects to visualize the problem.
  • Read the question twice to understand what is asked.

Common Key Words in Subtraction Problems 🗝️

  • Left, remain, fewer, how many more/less, take away, give away, sold

Practice Makes Perfect 🖍️

  • Use small numbers up to 18 for easy subtraction.
  • Try simple stories with apples, pencils, toys, or candies.

Learn with an example

Ben has 11 toys in his toy box. One day, he knocks the toy box over and 7 toys spill onto the floor. How many toys are still in the box?

Subtract the number of toys spilt on the floor from the original number of toys.

Subtract:

11 – 7

You can count backwards to subtract. Start from 11 and count back 7.

11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4

11 – 4 = 7

The difference is 4. There are 4 toys still in the box.

Last year, Kelly’s cats caught a total of 18 mice and birds. Her cats caught 9 mice. How many birds did Kelly’s cats catch last year?

Subtract the number of mice caught from the total number of animals.

Subtract:

18 – 9

You can count backwards to subtract. Start from 18 and count back 9.

18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9

18 – 9 = 9

The difference is 9. Kelly’s cats caught 9 birds last year.

Clare works at a women’s clothing store. Yesterday, a total of 13 customers shopped at the store and 9 bought skirts. How many customers did not buy skirts?

Subtract the number of customers who bought skirts from the total number of customers.

Subtract:

13 – 9

You can count backwards to subtract. Start from 13 and count back 9.

13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4

13 – 9 = 4

The difference is 4. There were 4 customers who did not buy skirts.

Let’s practice!🖊️