Word problems
Mixed addition and subtraction word problems
Choose the operation in a balanced set of five addition and five subtraction stories. Use one-, two- or three-digit quantities and optional practice without regrouping.
Preview and downloadWord problems practice
Subtraction word problems worksheets
Practice remaining amounts, differences and missing quantities with ten subtraction stories. Choose one- or two-digit values, number wording and irrelevant-information options.
Ready-made English PDF · fixed settings
Customization below makes a separate PDF.
Fixed English ready-made files. Custom settings below apply only to the configured PDF.
Ready to print
Start with a ready-made worksheet
Read the story, identify the requested quantity and show your reasoning. Include the correct unit in your answer.
Download the practice pages alone, or include a separate answer key or teacher model. Longer activities may use more than one page.
Customize this worksheetPaper sizes and printing help · More word problems activities
Read, model, calculate, check
Ask learners to identify what is known and what the question asks. A drawing, timeline or equation can make the relationship visible before they calculate. Check the answer against the original story and keep its unit.
The ready-made English downloads include practice alone or a separate answer key. The generator keeps the same questions in the preview and PDF, and a saved link reproduces the selected set.
Learning objective
What this activity builds
Distinguish taking away from comparing while using subtraction to find the requested difference.
Worked example
There are 46 seats in a room and 29 people are seated. How many seats are empty?
46 − 29 = 17 seats.
Occupied and empty seats make the full capacity. Subtract occupied seats from all seats.
Teaching notes
Make the practice count
- Compare a take-away story with a difference story using the same numbers.
- Check which number describes the whole.
- Allow drawings or counting on before requiring a written algorithm.
Make it yours
Customize the practice
Choose your options, update the preview, then download the exact same pages.
Enlarged pages scroll. PDF size stays the same.
A useful next step
Related activities
Word problems
Missing addend word problems
Find an unknown part or starting quantity in ten stories. Select practice with or without regrouping, number wording and extra information, then print questions and answers.
Preview and download