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Grade 4/Word Problems

Subtraction Word Problems (1-3 Digits)

Slightly larger Grade 2 subtraction word problems (answers ≥ 0). Gentle borrowing allowed.
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Easy
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8 questions
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8 questions
Medium
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8 questions
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8 questions
Hard
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8 questions
2
8 questions

Practice Questions

  1. A warehouse had 145 boxes. 28 boxes were shipped. How many boxes remain?
    Show answer

    145 − 28 = 117. 117 boxes remain.

  2. There were 100 pencils in a drawer. 47 were taken for class. How many pencils are left?
    Show answer

    100 − 47 = 53. 53 pencils are left.

  3. A baker made 95 cookies. She sold 16. How many cookies are left?
    Show answer

    95 − 16 = 79. 79 cookies are left.

  4. A store had 72 notebooks. They sold 9. How many notebooks now?
    Show answer

    72 − 9 = 63. 63 notebooks now.

  5. There were 150 balloons. 75 flew away. How many balloons are left?
    Show answer

    150 − 75 = 75. 75 balloons are left.

Quick Tip
Subtract to find how many are left or the difference. Use neat subtraction. Check your work and write a sentence answer.
Teacher Resources
Lesson Plan

Subtraction Stories for Grade 2

Standards
2.OA.A.1
Printable Aids
Number LineBase Ten Blocks
Teaching Notes

Emphasize reading comprehension to identify key information and the action of subtraction. Model setting up equations from word problems, focusing on regrouping when necessary.

Vocabulary
Difference: The result of subtraction.
Equation: A math sentence with an equals sign.
Common Mistakes
  • Misinterpreting 'take away' or 'difference' cues in the problem.
  • Errors in regrouping, especially across zeros or multiple columns.
  • Computational errors with basic subtraction facts within the larger problem.
Differentiation
SupportUse manipulatives or drawings to visualize the problem quantities.
ChallengeIntroduce problems with irrelevant information or requiring two steps.
Discussion Questions
  • What words in a story often tell us we need to subtract?
  • How can we check if our subtraction answer makes sense?
  • When do we need to 'borrow' or regroup while solving a subtraction problem?
  • Can you think of a real-life situation where you would use subtraction to solve a problem?
Extension Activities
  • Write subtraction stories.
  • Use a number line.
  • Subtract larger numbers.
Parent Tip

Ask your child to create a subtraction story with 3-digit numbers.

Learning Path
Skill Cluster

Number Operations & Problem Solving

Grade Level

2

Skills Practiced
Solve subtraction word problemsUse equationsSubtract 3 digits