Single-Digit Subtraction Word Problems

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What are some keywords in a story problem that often mean you need to subtract?

Words like 'take away', 'how many are left', 'how many more', 'fewer', or 'difference'.

You have $7$ apples and you eat $2$. How many apples are left?

$5$ apples. The problem is $$7 - 2 = 5$$

There are $9$ birds on a wire. $3$ of them fly away. How many birds are on the wire now?

$6$ birds. The problem is $$9 - 3 = 6$$

Maria has $8$ pencils. She gives $5$ pencils to her friend. How many does she have left?

$3$ pencils. The problem is $$8 - 5 = 3$$

A frog catches $6$ flies. It eats $4$ of them. How many flies are left?

$2$ flies. The problem is $$6 - 4 = 2$$

You have a tower of $10$ blocks. It falls over and $7$ blocks scatter. How many are still in the tower?

$3$ blocks. The problem is $$10 - 7 = 3$$

Leo is $9$ years old. His brother is $6$ years old. What is the difference in their ages?

$3$ years. The problem is $$9 - 6 = 3$$

There are $5$ cookies on a plate. You eat $5$ of them. How many are left?

$0$ cookies. The problem is $$5 - 5 = 0$$

Kate has $8$ stickers. Jane has $6$ stickers. How many more stickers does Kate have?

$2$ more stickers. The problem is $$8 - 6 = 2$$