Word problems! They can seem scary, but they’re actually just little puzzles waiting to be solved. And the best part? Many of them only need one simple step either addition or subtraction to find the answer. Let’s make learning fun and easy!
Think of word problems as stories with missing numbers. Your mission is to figure out which numbers are important and whether you need to put them together (add) or take some away (subtract) to solve the story. Ready to become a word problem detective?
Cracking the Code
The secret to conquering 1 step addition and subtraction word problems lies in identifying the keywords. Words like “total,” “sum,” “in all,” and “together” usually signal that you need to add. These words are clues that you’re combining quantities to find a larger amount.
On the other hand, words like “difference,” “left,” “remain,” “less,” and “take away” often mean you should subtract. These words indicate that you’re reducing a quantity or finding the gap between two numbers. Spotting these keywords makes the problem easier.
Let’s look at an example. “Maria has 5 apples, and John gives her 3 more. How many apples does Maria have in all?” The words “in all” tell us to add 5 + 3. The answer is 8 apples. See how simple it is when you know what to look for?
Another example: “David had 12 cookies and ate 4. How many cookies does David have left?” The word “left” is our clue to subtract. So, 12 – 4 = 8 cookies. David has 8 cookies remaining. Finding the keyword is half the battle!
Practice is key! The more you work with these types of problems, the easier it becomes to identify the keywords and decide whether to add or subtract. Try making up your own word problems using toys or snacks you have at home. Make learning interactive and enjoyable.
So, grab a pencil, some paper, and a positive attitude! You’re well on your way to becoming a master of 1 step addition and subtraction word problems. Keep practicing, keep looking for those keywords, and most importantly, have fun with it! You got this!