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First/Subtraction

Subtraction Word Problems: Up to 3 Digits

Practice solving subtraction word problems with 1 to 3 digit numbers.
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Subtraction Word Problems: Up to 3 Digits preview

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Prerequisites
1-2 Digit Subtraction Word Problems12 WS
If you have 8 apples and eat 3, how many are left?
What to Do Next
Mixed Addition and Subtraction Word Problems to 2012 WS
If you have 12 apples and get 5 more, then eat 4, how many are left?

Practice Questions

  1. If you have 123 candies and give away 45, how many are left?
    Show answer

    78

  2. There are 234 books in a library. 56 are borrowed. How many are left?
    Show answer

    178

  3. You have 345 marbles and lose 78. How many do you have now?
    Show answer

    267

  4. A store has 456 toys. 89 are sold. How many are left?
    Show answer

    367

  5. There are 567 pencils in a box. 123 are used. How many are left?
    Show answer

    444

Teacher Resources
Standards
2.OA.A.1
Printable Aids
Keywords ChartCounters/Manipulatives
Teaching Notes

Guide students to identify keywords indicating subtraction and to choose appropriate strategies like drawing models, using number lines, or applying place value understanding. Emphasize aligning numbers correctly for 3-digit subtraction.

Vocabulary
Subtract: Take away a number from another.
Difference: The result of subtraction.
Common Mistakes
  • Choosing addition when keywords suggest subtraction (e.g., 'how many left').
  • Not reading the entire problem before solving.
  • Writing the subtraction sentence in the wrong order (e.g., smaller - bigger).
Differentiation
SupportProvide manipulatives (base ten blocks) or drawing tools. Simplify some problems to 1 or 2 digits initially. Highlight keywords like 'left', 'difference', 'how many more'.
ChallengeIntroduce problems with irrelevant information or require two steps (e.g., find the difference, then add a new quantity). Challenge them to create their own word problems.
Discussion Questions
  • What words in the problem told you to subtract?
  • What strategy did you use to solve the problem?
  • Can you explain your steps for subtracting with regrouping?
  • How can you check your answer to make sure it's correct?
Extension Activities
  • Create subtraction stories.
  • Act out taking away.
  • Use counters to subtract.
Parent Tip

Ask your child to tell a story about taking things away.

Learning Path
Skill Cluster

Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Number Sense

Estimated Time

15 minutes

Skills Practiced
Subtraction word problemsMulti digit subtractionWriting equations