Solving Subtraction Word Problems with Pictures

Khan Academy

This educational video guides students through solving two distinct types of subtraction word problems using visual strategies and number sentences. The narrator demonstrates how to translate written scenarios into mathematical equations, specifically focusing on "how many more" comparison problems and "fewer than" subtraction problems. Through digital drawing, the video models how to represent quantities visually to make abstract concepts concrete. The core themes explored include reading comprehension in mathematics, visual representation of data, and the relationship between language (words like "more" and "fewer") and mathematical operations (subtraction). The video emphasizes the importance of visualizing the problem before attempting to solve it with numbers alone. This resource is highly valuable for early elementary classrooms as it models a clear, step-by-step problem-solving methodology. Teachers can use this video to introduce subtraction word problems, reinforce the connection between counting and subtracting, or support students who struggle to identify the correct operation when faced with text-based math problems.