Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word ProblemsClass 5 Maths · Chapter 3 Addition and Subtraction · Problem Set 12 – Maharashtra Board

Summary: Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word Problems

Many stories ask us to compare two amounts or to find what is left or still needed. These are subtraction problems.

Clue words: 'how much more', 'how many fewer', 'still needs', 'left', 'exceed', 'difference', 'grew by'.

Always subtract the smaller number from the bigger number, with the places lined up.

'Exceeded the target by' means: amount collected − target.

You can also make your own subtraction story from two numbers — then solve it and check by adding.

Key points to remember

• Compare or find what is left → subtract
• Bigger number − smaller number
• 'Still needs' = price − money you have
• 'Exceeded by' = amount reached − target
• 'Grew by' = new number − old number
• Line up the places before subtracting
• Answer with a sentence and a unit
• Check: answer + smaller = bigger

Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word Problems – Notes

1. Spotting a subtraction story

• Ask: am I joining things (add) or comparing / taking away (subtract)?
• 'How many more boys than girls?' compares → subtract.
• 'How much money is still needed?' finds the missing part → subtract.

2. 'Still needs' problems

• Price − money you have = money still needed.
• The answer is how much you must save before you can buy the thing.

3. 'Exceed' and 'grew by' problems

• If a group aimed for ₹15,00,000 and collected ₹16,24,580, they exceeded the target by 16,24,580 − 15,00,000 = ₹1,24,580.
• If a town had 3,40,000 people and now has 3,95,000, it grew by 3,95,000 − 3,40,000 = 55,000.

4. Comparing two groups

• Find which number is bigger first.
• Girls 8,71,094 and boys 8,46,275: girls are more, by 8,71,094 − 8,46,275 = 24,819.
• Read the question carefully — 'previous year' or 'next year' tells you which number is which.

5. Make your own problem

• Take two numbers, for example 34,516 and 41,203.
• Write a story: 'A school library had 34,516 pages of storybooks. A new gift raised it to 41,203 pages. How many pages were added?'
• Solve: 41,203 − 34,516 = 6,687. Check: 6,687 + 34,516 = 41,203.

Formulas at a glance

Key terms

Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word Problems – Flashcards

Read the question, answer it in your head, then tap the card to check. 10 cards.

Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word Problems – MCQ Quiz

10 questions. Tap an option — you will see at once if it is right and why.

How to study Problem Set 12 – Subtraction Word Problems

⏱ About 25 minutes

1. Learn (5 min)
   Learn the clue words: how much more, still needs, exceed, grew by, difference.
2. Solve (15 min)
   Solve three stories and make up one of your own; check each by adding.
3. Practise (5 min)
   Do the 4 'Try it yourself' sums, take the quiz and play 🎮 Play.