 Word Problems Involving Subtraction Let us recall the steps in solving word problems. Find out what is asked, know the given numbers, choose the correct operation, write the number sentence and solve the number operation. Let's try to solve story problems involving subtraction. Maurice had 17 cupcakes. She sold six of them. How many cupcakes were left? What is being asked? The number of cupcakes left. What number facts are given? 17 cupcakes and six cupcakes sold. What is the operation to be used? Subtraction. What is the number sentence? 17 minus 6 equals. Now let's solve 17 minus 6. Let's start with 7 minus 6 equals 1. 1 minus 0 equals 1. The answer is 11. 11 cupcakes were left. Let's solve the second story problem. Each or both has 26 students in kindergarten. If 14 are boys, how many are girls? What is being asked? The number of girls in class. What are the given number facts? 26 students and 14 boys in class. What is the operation to be used? Subtraction. What is the number sentence? 26 minus 14 equals. Now let's solve. 26 minus 14. Let's start with 6 minus 4 equals 2. 2 minus 1 equals 1. Our answer is 12. There are 12 girls in class. Now go get your book and do the drills in your math book. Follow the steps in solving weird problems.