Multi-Digit Subtraction Word Problems

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What are some keywords in a word problem that usually mean you need to subtract?

Keywords include: 'difference', 'how many more', 'how much is left', 'take away', 'minus', and 'remain'.

A library has \(875\) books. If \(231\) books are checked out, how many books are left? What is the subtraction problem?

The problem is \(875 - 231 = ?\)

Solve: A library has \(875\) books. If \(231\) books are checked out, how many books are left on the shelves?

\(875 - 231 = 644\). There are \(644\) books left.

Sam had \(400\) marbles. He lost \(152\) of them. How many marbles does Sam have now? Set up the problem.

\(400 - 152 = ?\)

Solve: Sam had \(400\) marbles. He lost \(152\) of them. How many marbles does he have now?

\(400 - 152 = 248\). Sam has \(248\) marbles.

A school wants to collect \(1,000\) cans for a food drive. They have \(678\) cans so far. How many more cans do they need?

\(1000 - 678 = 322\). They need \(322\) more cans.

What does 'find the difference between \(5,678\) and \(2,345\)' ask you to do?

It asks you to subtract the smaller number from the larger number: \(5,678 - 2,345\).

Solve: Find the difference between the population of City A (\(5,678\) people) and City B (\(2,345\) people).

The difference is \(5,678 - 2,345 = 3,333\) people.

Maria baked \(250\) cookies. She sold \(185\) cookies at a bake sale. How many cookies remained?

\(250 - 185 = 65\). Maria had \(65\) cookies remaining.

A video game costs \(60\) dollars. You have \(37\) dollars. How much more money do you need to buy the game?

The phrase 'how much more' tells you to subtract. \(60 - 37 = 23\). You need \(23\) more dollars.