Add and Subtract Problems

This worksheet is about word problems that require you to add and subtract, not just once, but perhaps several times.

Why do we add numbers?

We add when ...

• we increase amounts
• someone gives us something extra
• we get more of something.

Why do we subtract numbers?

We subtract when ...

• we decrease amounts
• we give away something
• we spend money.

Example

There are 225 sweets in a jar.

Jack takes 35 sweets out of the jar.

Jane takes 15 less than Jack out of the jar.

How many sweets are left in the jar?

Answer

First we work out how many sweets Jane takes.

This is 15 less than Jack. 

35 -15 = 20.

So Jane takes 20 sweets.

Sweets left in jar = 225 - 35 - 20 = 190 - 20 = 170 sweets