Word sentences for addition and subtraction
We can use mathematics to solve real life problems. To solve worded problems you need to read the words carefully and change the words into number sentences or equations. See the table below for words that could mean addition or subtraction in worded problems.
|
addition |
subtraction |
|---|---|
|
more than more add sum plus increase give to |
less than less subtract difference minus decrease take away
|
Can you think of other words that mean addition or subtraction?
Look at the video below to see how to write number sentences from worded problems.
Examples
QUESTION 1
There were $10$10 flowers in Carl’s garden. $4$4 more flowers grew, then Carl picked $10$10 flowers to put in a vase.
Which equation matches the word problem for the number of flowers left in the garden?
$10-4+10$10−4+10
A$10+4-10$10+4−10
B$10+4+10$10+4+10
C$10-4-10$10−4−10
DHow many flowers are left in the garden?
QUESTION 2
A frog took $6$6 jumps forward, then took $3$3 jumps back.
Which equation (number sentence) matches the word problem for the number of jumps the frog is from its starting point?
$0+6+3$0+6+3
A$0+6$0+6
B$0+6-3$0+6−3
C$0-3$0−3
DHow many jumps is the frog from its starting point?
QUESTION 3
$10-3-5$10−3−5
Which story matches the equation?
It took Bob $10$10 minutes to read the first chapter in his book. He was $3$3 minutes slower reading Chapter Two and $5$5 minutes slower reading Chapter Three.
AA farmer had $10$10 boxes of corn to sell at the markets. He sold $3$3 boxes on Saturday and $5$5 boxes on Sunday.
BJudy found $10$10 marbles on Thursday, lost $3$3 on Friday but bought another $5$5 on Saturday.
CHow many boxes of corn does the farmer have left?