Identify whether to add or subtract to solve a problem.
Solve addition word problems with numbers up to 50.
Solve subtraction word problems with numbers up to 50.
📖 Let Us Begin!
Ravi has 12 mangoes. His friend gives him 8 more. How many mangoes does Ravi have now? This is a word problem! Word problems are maths questions written as stories. We need to read carefully, find the numbers, and decide whether to add or subtract. Let us learn how to solve word problems step by step.
How to Solve a Word Problem
Follow these 4 steps:
Step 1: Read the problem carefully. Step 2: Find the numbers and the question. Step 3: Decide -- do we add or subtract? Step 4: Solve and write the answer with the correct unit.
Clue words for addition: "in all", "together", "total", "how many altogether".
Clue words for subtraction: "left", "remaining", "how many more", "gave away".
Addition Word Problems
Problem 1: Meena has 15 red flowers and 12 yellow flowers. How many flowers does she have in all?
Numbers: 15 and 12. Clue word: "in all" -- so we add.
15 + 12 = 27 flowers.
Problem 2: Arjun had Rs. 20. His father gave him Rs. 15 more. How much money does Arjun have now?
Numbers: 20 and 15. Clue word: "more" -- so we add.
20 + 15 = Rs. 35.
Subtraction Word Problems
Problem 3: Sita had 30 sweets. She gave 14 to her friends. How many sweets are left?
Numbers: 30 and 14. Clue word: "left" -- so we subtract.
30 − 14 = 16 sweets.
Problem 4: There were 45 birds on a tree. 18 birds flew away. How many birds are still on the tree?
Numbers: 45 and 18. Clue word: "flew away" -- so we subtract.
45 − 18 = 27 birds.
📝 Key Words
Word
Operation
In all, together, total, altogether, more
Addition (+)
Left, remaining, gave away, flew away, ate
Subtraction (−)
How many more
Subtraction (−)
Sum
Answer to an addition problem
Difference
Answer to a subtraction problem
⭐ Key Points to Remember
Read the problem carefully before solving.
Look for clue words to decide if you add or subtract.
Write the number sentence (e.g., 15 + 12 = 27).
Always write the unit in your answer (flowers, rupees, birds...).
Check your answer by reading the problem again.
✏️ Practice Questions
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. Ravi has 13 pencils. He gets 6 more. He has pencils in all.
2. Meena had 25 stickers. She gave 10 to her friend. She has stickers left.
3. There are 20 boys and 18 girls in a class. Total students = .
4. Arjun had Rs. 40. He spent Rs. 15. He has Rs. left.
5. Sita picked 14 mangoes and 11 bananas. She picked fruits in all.
B. Choose the Correct Answer
1. Ravi has 22 marbles. He loses 9. How many are left?
a) 31b) 13c) 12
2. A basket has 16 apples and 14 oranges. How many fruits in all?
a) 2b) 30c) 32
3. Meena had Rs. 50. She bought a book for Rs. 30. How much money is left?
a) Rs. 80b) Rs. 20c) Rs. 25
C. Short Answer -- Solve with working
1. There are 32 children in a class. 14 children are absent. How many children are present?
2. Sita has 24 red beads and 13 blue beads. How many beads does she have altogether?
3. Arjun had Rs. 45. He bought a toy for Rs. 22. How much money does he have left?
🎨 Activity: Write Your Own Word Problem
Write one addition word problem and one subtraction word problem using Indian names and things you see around you (fruits, toys, rupees). Swap with a friend and solve each other's problems!
My addition problem: _______________________________________________
My subtraction problem: _______________________________________________
Want to use this as a worksheet? Switch to the A4 printable view.
Identify whether to add or subtract to solve a problem.
Solve addition word problems with numbers up to 50.
Solve subtraction word problems with numbers up to 50.
Let Us Begin!
Ravi has 12 mangoes. His friend gives him 8 more. How many mangoes does Ravi have now? This is a word problem! We need to read carefully, find the numbers, and decide whether to add or subtract.
How to Solve a Word Problem
Step 1: Read the problem carefully.
Step 2: Find the numbers and the question.
Step 3: Decide -- do we add or subtract?
Step 4: Solve and write the answer with the correct unit.
Add when: "in all", "together", "total", "how many altogether".