Lesson 19.1: Everyday Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
Step-by-step decoding of story problems.
⏱️ Reading Time: 15 mins
• ❓ 50 Interactive Practice Questions
#MathsWordProblems #AdditionSubtractionStories #ProblemSolving
Everyday Addition & Subtraction Word Problems
Word problems are math stories from everyday life! When you understand how to turn a story into numbers, you become a master problem solver.
Step 1: Read
Find key words
→
Step 2: Plan
+ or - operation
→
Step 3: Solve
Calculate & check
Word Problems: Follow 3 easy steps — Read, Plan, and Solve!
1. The 3-Step Strategy
• Step 1 (Read & Understand): Read the story twice. What information is given? What question are you asked to answer?
• Step 2 (Plan the Operation): Decide if you need to combine (+) or take away (-).
• Step 3 (Solve & Write Units): Calculate the answer and write the unit (e.g., '24 books', not just '24').
Key Words:
• Addition (+): altogether, in all, total, joined, more, combined.
• Subtraction (-): left, remaining, broke, gave away, how many more, lost.
• Addition (+): altogether, in all, total, joined, more, combined.
• Subtraction (-): left, remaining, broke, gave away, how many more, lost.
2. Sample Story Walkthrough
Story: There were 42 birds sitting on a tree branch. 15 birds flew away. How many birds are still on the tree?
Operation: 'Flew away' means subtraction! 42 - 15 = 27 birds left on the tree.
Self-Check: Does 27 make sense? Yes, because some birds flew away, so fewer birds must remain!
💡 Key Learning Takeaways
- Read the problem carefully to find given facts and the question.
- Use keywords to decide between + and -.
- Always write the unit with your answer (apples, coins, steps).
🎯 Key Learning Takeaways
Keywords and 3-step problem solving.
📄 Printable Worksheets (10 Available)
Download ready-to-print PDFs for offline student practice with separate parent/teacher answer keys.
WL-G2-C19-W10
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 10
Curriculum Excellence & Final Review
WL-G2-C19-W09
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 9
Mastery Assessment & Progress Check
WL-G2-C19-W08
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 8
Mixed Review & Reinforcement
WL-G2-C19-W07
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 7
Everyday Applications & Story Maths
WL-G2-C19-W06
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 6
Critical Thinking & Deep Understanding
WL-G2-C19-W05
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 5
Speed Challenge & Quick Check
WL-G2-C19-W04
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 4
Problem Solving & Real-Life Stories
WL-G2-C19-W03
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 3
Hands-on Visual Activity & Matching
WL-G2-C19-W02
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 2
Essential Practice & Skill Builder
WL-G2-C19-W01
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Word Problems — Worksheet 1
Foundational Concepts & Visual Exploration
✍️ Lesson Practice Questions (50 Questions)
Solve these real-world challenges online, test your understanding, and reveal instant step-by-step explanations.
1
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (49 + 10) and (37 + 10)?
A
37
B
22
C
12
D
49
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (49 + 10) - (37 + 10) = 49 - 37 = 12.
2
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 12 equals 49. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
74
B
98
C
37
D
39
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
74
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 37. Doubling it gives 37 × 2 = 74.
3
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 37 + 12 = 49, what is 12 + 37?
A
49
B
12
C
37
D
50
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
49
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
4
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 49 greater than 37?
A
Because 49 includes 37 plus an additional 12 items
B
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
C
Because {v1} is an even number
D
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 49 includes 37 plus an additional 12 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
5
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 49 - 12 and wrote 61. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He forgot the units place
B
He multiplied by 2
C
He divided the numbers
D
He added instead of subtracting
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
6
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 37 + 12 = 59 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
The student subtracted instead
B
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
C
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
D
The answer is 0
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
37 + 12 equals exactly 49.
7
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 37, 42, 47, [ ? ].
A
51
B
57
C
52
D
49
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
52
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 47 + 5 = 52.
8
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 37 + [ ? ] = 49.
A
12
B
11
C
37
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 12 because 37 + 12 = 49.
9
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 37 yellow marigolds and 12 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
54 flowers
B
49 flowers
C
12 flowers
D
37 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
49 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
37 + 12 = 49 flowers.
10
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 49 new graphic novels. Students checked out 12 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
37 novels
B
38 novels
C
12 novels
D
49 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
37 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
49 - 12 = 37 novels remaining.
11
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 37 apple pies in the morning and 12 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
51 pies
B
37 pies
C
47 pies
D
49 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
49 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
37 + 12 = 49 pies in total.
12
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 37?
A
57
B
47
C
27
D
38
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
47
Step-by-Step Explanation:
37 + 10 = 47.
13
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 49 [ ? ] 44?
A
>
B
=
C
<
D
≈
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
49 is greater than 44.
14
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 49 - 12 = ?
A
37
B
12
C
38
D
36
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
37
Step-by-Step Explanation:
49 - 12 = 37.
15
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Word Problems', calculate: 37 + 12 = ?
A
50
B
48
C
49
D
59
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
49
Step-by-Step Explanation:
37 + 12 = 49.
16
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (64 + 10) and (30 + 10)?
A
34
B
64
C
30
D
44
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
34
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (64 + 10) - (30 + 10) = 64 - 30 = 34.
17
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 34 equals 64. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
60
B
30
C
32
D
128
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
60
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 30. Doubling it gives 30 × 2 = 60.
18
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 30 + 34 = 64, what is 34 + 30?
A
64
B
65
C
34
D
30
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
64
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
19
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 64 greater than 30?
A
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
B
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
C
Because {v1} is an even number
D
Because 64 includes 30 plus an additional 34 items
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 64 includes 30 plus an additional 34 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
20
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 64 - 34 and wrote 98. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He divided the numbers
B
He forgot the units place
C
He added instead of subtracting
D
He multiplied by 2
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
21
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 30 + 34 = 74 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
The student subtracted instead
B
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
C
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
D
The answer is 0
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
30 + 34 equals exactly 64.
22
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 30, 35, 40, [ ? ].
A
50
B
42
C
45
D
44
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
45
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 40 + 5 = 45.
23
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 30 + [ ? ] = 64.
A
35
B
33
C
30
D
34
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
34
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 34 because 30 + 34 = 64.
24
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 30 yellow marigolds and 34 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
64 flowers
B
69 flowers
C
30 flowers
D
34 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
64 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
30 + 34 = 64 flowers.
25
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 64 new graphic novels. Students checked out 34 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
34 novels
B
30 novels
C
31 novels
D
64 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
30 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
64 - 34 = 30 novels remaining.
26
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 30 apple pies in the morning and 34 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
64 pies
B
66 pies
C
30 pies
D
62 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
64 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
30 + 34 = 64 pies in total.
27
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 30?
A
20
B
31
C
50
D
40
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
40
Step-by-Step Explanation:
30 + 10 = 40.
28
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 64 [ ? ] 59?
A
≈
B
=
C
>
D
<
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
64 is greater than 59.
29
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 64 - 34 = ?
A
34
B
30
C
31
D
29
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
30
Step-by-Step Explanation:
64 - 34 = 30.
30
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Word Problems', calculate: 30 + 34 = ?
A
74
B
63
C
64
D
65
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
64
Step-by-Step Explanation:
30 + 34 = 64.
31
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (54 + 10) and (23 + 10)?
A
54
B
23
C
41
D
31
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
31
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (54 + 10) - (23 + 10) = 54 - 23 = 31.
32
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 31 equals 54. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
25
B
46
C
23
D
108
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
46
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 23. Doubling it gives 23 × 2 = 46.
33
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 23 + 31 = 54, what is 31 + 23?
A
31
B
23
C
55
D
54
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
34
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 54 greater than 23?
A
Because {v1} is an even number
B
Because 54 includes 23 plus an additional 31 items
C
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
D
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 54 includes 23 plus an additional 31 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
35
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 54 - 31 and wrote 85. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He added instead of subtracting
B
He forgot the units place
C
He multiplied by 2
D
He divided the numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
36
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 23 + 31 = 64 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
B
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
C
The student subtracted instead
D
The answer is 0
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
23 + 31 equals exactly 54.
37
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 23, 28, 33, [ ? ].
A
38
B
35
C
37
D
43
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
38
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 33 + 5 = 38.
38
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 23 + [ ? ] = 54.
A
32
B
31
C
30
D
23
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
31
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 31 because 23 + 31 = 54.
39
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 23 yellow marigolds and 31 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
54 flowers
B
23 flowers
C
59 flowers
D
31 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
23 + 31 = 54 flowers.
40
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 54 new graphic novels. Students checked out 31 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
23 novels
B
31 novels
C
54 novels
D
24 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
23 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 - 31 = 23 novels remaining.
41
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 23 apple pies in the morning and 31 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
54 pies
B
23 pies
C
56 pies
D
52 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
23 + 31 = 54 pies in total.
42
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 23?
A
24
B
43
C
33
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
33
Step-by-Step Explanation:
23 + 10 = 33.
43
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 54 [ ? ] 49?
A
=
B
>
C
≈
D
<
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 is greater than 49.
44
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 54 - 31 = ?
A
22
B
24
C
31
D
23
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
23
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 - 31 = 23.
45
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Word Problems', calculate: 23 + 31 = ?
A
53
B
55
C
54
D
64
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54
Step-by-Step Explanation:
23 + 31 = 54.
46
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (44 + 10) and (16 + 10)?
A
28
B
16
C
44
D
38
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
28
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (44 + 10) - (16 + 10) = 44 - 16 = 28.
47
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 28 equals 44. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
88
B
18
C
16
D
32
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
32
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 16. Doubling it gives 16 × 2 = 32.
48
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 16 + 28 = 44, what is 28 + 16?
A
16
B
28
C
45
D
44
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
44
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
49
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 44 greater than 16?
A
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
B
Because 44 includes 16 plus an additional 28 items
C
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
D
Because {v1} is an even number
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 44 includes 16 plus an additional 28 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
50
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 44 - 28 and wrote 72. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He multiplied by 2
B
He forgot the units place
C
He added instead of subtracting
D
He divided the numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.