Solving Simple Subtraction Word Problems

MatholiaChannel

This educational video introduces young learners to the concept of subtraction through simple, visual word problems. Using engaging animations, the video presents two distinct scenarios: a farm setting with sheep and a playful scene with bubbles. In each story, the narrator guides students through the process of identifying the total number, recognizing the amount being subtracted, and calculating the remainder using number bonds and subtraction equations. The video explores key mathematical themes including basic subtraction, part-whole relationships (number bonds), and translating word problems into numerical equations. It specifically focuses on single-digit subtraction within the range of 1-10, making it highly accessible for early numeracy development. The use of the phrase "take" alongside the minus symbol helps bridge the gap between spoken language and mathematical notation. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent visual aid to reinforce subtraction skills. It demonstrates how to visualize a math problem using concrete objects before moving to abstract numbers. Teachers can use this video to model how to extract relevant information from a story problem, how to use number bonds as a solving strategy, and how to write the corresponding subtraction sentence. It is particularly effective for visual learners and for introducing the concept of "taking away."