---
title: "Addition and subtraction word problems"
description: "Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10 using objects or drawings"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Addition and subtraction word problems

Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10 using objects or drawings

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Addition & Subtraction · Ages 4 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7

## Ready when they can

- Solve 'There are 6 apples, 2 are eaten, how many left?' using counters
- Solve 'add to' and 'take from' result-unknown problems
- Solve 'put together/take apart' problems with total unknown

## Lesson: Solving word problems

You have used objects and drawings to show adding and taking away. A word problem tells what happens to a group. Find what the question asks. Use one counter or mark for each thing. When more things join, count the whole group. Count only the kind of thing asked about.

*(drawing: 6 apples. 2 are eaten. Count the apples without crosses: 4 remain.)*

**Example.** Mia has 2 blocks in one box and 4 in another. To find how many blocks she has in all, she counts both groups: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. There are 6 blocks. If no blocks join and none leave, the number stays the same.

To find what remains after things leave, show the starting group. Remove a counter or cross out a mark for each thing that leaves. Count what remains. If all 6 things leave, none remain. Write 0 for none. Read the whole story before choosing what to do.

**Example.** Follow changes in order. Start with 8 apples, take away 1, then take away 2. Five remain. Start with 4 blocks, take away 1, then add 2. Five remain. For three groups of 1, 2, and 1 blocks, count all three groups. There are 4.

**Example.** A story can give the parts and ask for the starting group. If 2 birds left and 3 stayed, use counters for both parts. Put them together to find 5 birds at the start. The word 'left' does not tell you what to do without the rest of the story.

**Recap.** Read the story, then add or subtract to find the answer.

*Lesson and practice text written for this dataset.*

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Representing Addition and Subtraction](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/representing-addition-and-subtraction-mt_PgsHGYJMH-)

## Opens up

- [Using objects to model real problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-objects-to-model-real-problems-mt_fLOkq-HfPB)
- [Real-World to Maths Connections](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/real-world-to-maths-connections-mt_IM1G_7QzTa)
- [Early word problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/early-word-problems-mt_VAWV_l7J0D)