Subtraction Word Problems

Joyful Mathematics 2 — Rani's Gift. One- and two-step take-away stories in Rani's Gift use the same keywords as these word problems.

• To pick subtraction when a problem asks "how many left?" or "how many more?"
• To write a number sentence from a story.
• To solve one-step and two-step stories up to 100.

Verbal: Circle words like left, gave away, sold, remain — they usually mean subtract.

Symbolic: Story → number sentence: "52 shells, gave 18" → 52 − 18 = ?

Level 1 — Key words for "take away"

left, remain, gave away, sold, ate, flew away → usually subtraction.

Level 1 — "How many more?" trick

Ali has 45, Ben has 32. How many more does Ali have? → 45 − 32 = 13 (compare by subtracting smaller from larger).

Level 1 — Draw a bar model

[Total 50] − [Sold 18] = [Left ?]

Level 2 — Two-step (intro)

Had 60, gave 15, then gave 10 more → 60 − 15 − 10 = 35.

Level 2 — Indian stories

Cricket cards, rangoli diyas, school lunch tiffins.

Priya collected 52 shells at Marina Beach. She gave 18 to her brother. How many does she have now?

Step 1 — Total shells: 52
Step 2 — Gave away: 18 (subtraction)
Step 3 — 52 − 18 = 34
Answer: 34 shells

• Ravi had 70 rupees, spent 25. How much left?
• Class 2A has 40 students, 2A has 35. How many more in 2A?
• Mum bought 90 eggs, used 45 for baking. Eggs left?

Stretch: Had 60 rupees, spent ₹15 on snacks, then ₹10 on stickers. How much is left? (Two steps.)

Revision tip: Draw a simple bar: total bar minus part sold equals part left — then write the subtraction sentence.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Subtraction Word Problems.