🧮 Use Equations to Solve Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

📖 What the Section Is About

In this lesson, students learn how to use equations to solve real-life word problems involving addition and subtraction. They discover how to turn problem sentences into math sentences with symbols. This helps them find solutions quickly and understand the meaning of the problem.

🎯 Learning Objectives

✅ Identify key information in a word problem
✅ Write an equation to represent the problem
✅ Solve for the unknown number
✅ Check the solution to make sure it makes sense
✅ Explain the meaning of the answer in words

🧪 Examples

  • Example 1: Sarah had 15 apples. She bought 8 more. Equation: 15 + 8 = 23

  • Example 2: A shop sold 50 shirts. 18 shirts were blue, the rest were white. Equation: 50 − 18 = 32

  • Example 3: Tom read 12 pages on Monday and 17 pages on Tuesday. Equation: 12 + 17 = 29

📘 Key Vocabulary and Definitions

  • Equation – A math sentence that shows two things are equal

  • Unknown – The number you need to find

  • Addition – Joining numbers to find the total

  • Subtraction – Finding how much is left or the difference

  • Word problem – A question using words that you solve with math

🎲 Fun Practice Activities

  1. Activity Worksheet: “Solve the Mystery Numbers” using equations

  2. Test Yourself: Interactive Practice Quiz

🏡 Offline Homework Idea

Write 3 addition or subtraction word problems from real life and solve them using equations.