We sometimes have problems to solve that require us to use maths in order to solve them.
This could be addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or another area of maths.
In this activity, we are going to be solving word problems using addition and subtraction.
In most questions, we’ll need to do two calculations!
Here is an example of a word problem:
Tommy had 50 sweets in a bag.
He gives 5 to his friend and eats 10 himself.
How many sweets does he now have?
In this question, we need to subtract 5 and 10 from 50 to find the answer.
The important information is highlighted for us – phew!
When do we add numbers?
We add when:
We increase amounts
Someone gives us something extra
We get more of something
When do we subtract numbers?
We subtract when:
We decrease amounts
We give away something
We spend money
Let’s look at an example where we need to add and subtract:
A library had 250 books on Monday.
65 were borrowed on Tuesday.
90 were returned on Wednesday morning.
How many books were in the library on Wednesday afternoon?
Answer:
We know the library had 250 books at the start of the week and 65 were borrowed.
So, we need to subtract 65 from 250
250 – 65 = 185
90 books were returned to the library, so we need to add this to 185
185 + 90 = 275
There were 275 books in the library on Wednesday afternoon.
