Word Problems for First Grade

Grade 1 · Math · Study Guide

Learn how to read math word problems and decide whether to add or subtract to find the answer.

A word problem is a math question written as a story. To solve it, we need to read carefully, figure out what is happening, and decide whether to add or subtract.

When a story talks about getting more, joining groups, or adding things together, we use addition. Look for clue words like: how many in all, how many altogether, in all, joined, got more.

When a story talks about things going away, being taken, used up, or left over, we use subtraction. Look for clue words like: how many are left, how many fewer, took away, gave away.

Here is a strategy to solve word problems: 1. Read the problem carefully. 2. Figure out what numbers are given. 3. Decide if you are adding or subtracting. 4. Write the number sentence. 5. Solve and check your answer.

For example: 'Mia has 4 apples. She gets 3 more. How many apples does she have in all?' We see 'gets more' and 'in all,' so we add: 4 + 3 = 7 apples.

Another example: 'There are 8 birds. 3 fly away. How many are left?' We see 'fly away' and 'how many are left,' so we subtract: 8 - 3 = 5 birds.

Key terms

word problem
A math question written as a story that you need to read and solve
addition clue words
Words that tell you to add, like 'in all,' 'altogether,' and 'joined'
subtraction clue words
Words that tell you to subtract, like 'left,' 'took away,' and 'fewer'
number sentence
A math equation that shows what is happening in the problem, like 4 + 3 = 7
sum
The answer when you add two numbers together
difference
The answer when you subtract one number from another

Flashcards

Word problem
A math question written as a story
Addition clue words
In all, altogether, joined, got more, total — these mean you should add
Subtraction clue words
Left, took away, gave away, fewer, how many remain — these mean you should subtract
Number sentence
The math equation for the problem, like 5 + 3 = 8 or 9 - 4 = 5
Sum
The answer to an addition problem
Difference
The answer to a subtraction problem
3 + 5 = ?
8 — this shows joining 3 and 5 together
10 - 4 = ?
6 — this shows taking 4 away from 10

Questions

  1. Tom has 5 toy cars. He gets 3 more for his birthday. How many toy cars does he have in all?

    1. 2
    2. 7
    3. 8
    4. 9
    Show answer

    Answer: 8

    Tom has 5 cars and gets 3 more. 'In all' is an addition clue. 5 + 3 = 8 toy cars.

  2. There are 9 cookies on a plate. The kids eat 4. How many cookies are left?

    1. 13
    2. 6
    3. 5
    4. 4
    Show answer

    Answer: 5

    'How many are left' is a subtraction clue. 9 - 4 = 5 cookies.

  3. The words 'how many are left' are a clue to subtract.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    'How many are left' means something was used or taken, which means we subtract.

  4. Sara has 6 crayons. She gives 2 to her friend. She has ___ crayons left.

    Show answer

    Answer: 4

    Sara gives away 2 crayons. 'Left' is a subtraction clue. 6 - 2 = 4 crayons left.

  5. 6 ducks are in a pond. 4 more ducks come. How many ducks are there altogether?

    1. 2
    2. 8
    3. 10
    4. 12
    Show answer

    Answer: 10

    'How many altogether' is an addition clue. 6 + 4 = 10 ducks in all.

Get a personalized course on Word Problems for First Grade built around your child.