---
title: "Early Word Problems"
description: "Solve one-step word problems involving addition and subtraction to 20, including missing-number problems"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/early-word-problems-mt_VAWV_l7J0D
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/early-word-problems-mt_VAWV_l7J0D.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Early Word Problems

Solve one-step word problems involving addition and subtraction to 20, including missing-number problems

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Addition & Subtraction · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/early-word-problems-mt_VAWV_l7J0D

## Ready when they can

- Solve 'I have 12 sweets and eat 4, how many left?'
- Solve missing number: 7 = [ ] – 9
- Solve problems using concrete objects and pictorial representations

## Lesson: Word problems with a missing number

You already know how to solve word problems using adding and subtracting. Now you will find a missing number too.

**Example.** Mia has 12 apples and eats 4. How many apples are left? Twelve take away four is eight.

Sometimes the missing number comes first in the problem. Read slowly and find what you already know.

*(drawing: Start at 5 and hop to 12. That is 7 hops.)*

**Tip.** Check your answer by putting it back in the problem. If it works, you found the right number.

**Recap.** Find the missing number by reading carefully and checking your answer.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Adding and subtracting](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-mt_mr_Vk7FGzK)
- [Addition and subtraction word problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7)

## Opens up

- [Guided Multi-Step Problem Solving](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/guided-multi-step-problem-solving-mt_O_UOTiMvT_)
- [Mental and written addition and subtraction](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/mental-and-written-addition-and-subtraction-mt_wzAZ8qFDc4)
- [Two-Step Word Problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/two-step-word-problems-mt_yTWxkzzoOZ)