Grade 1 · Math · Subtraction

1st Grade Subtraction Word Problem Models worksheets

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Subtraction Word Problem Models

Grade 1 Math Worksheet

NameDate

Write the answer on the line, or circle the answer.

12 ducks swam in a pond. 3 swam away. How many are left?
2.
Which equation matches this story? 13 balloons were tied to a fence. 7 floated away.
- 13 + 7 = 20
- 13 - 7 = 6
- 13 - 8 = 5
- 13 - 6 = 7
15 cats sat on a wall. 4 ran away. How many are left?
4.
Which equation matches this story? 11 cookies were on a plate. Dad took 8.
- 11 - 9 = 2
- 11 - 3 = 8
- 11 + 8 = 19
- 11 - 8 = 3
Ana has 10 frogs. Leo has 8 frogs. How many more frogs does Ana have?
There were 14 balls in a box. 9 rolled away. How many are left?
7.
Which equation matches this story? 11 kites flew in the sky. 6 came down.
- 11 - 6 = 5
- 11 + 6 = 17
- 11 - 7 = 4
- 11 - 5 = 6
13 apples were in a basket. Mom took 3. How many are left?
9.
Which equation matches this story? 14 bells hung on a rope. 7 fell off.
- 14 + 7 = 21
- 14 - 8 = 6
- 14 - 7 = 8
- 14 - 7 = 7
Zoe has 12 ducks. Max has 5 ducks. How many more ducks does Zoe have?

1st Grade Subtraction Word Problem Models worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Subtraction Word Problem Models gives grade 1 students a focused page for a skill that parents and teachers often need as its own printable worksheet. This expands subtraction beyond bare facts into model-based word problems. Students should connect the equation to the story action. The items rotate through several question types so the page is not just the same prompt with different numbers or words. Students read subtraction stories, use object models, and choose or compute the missing amount.

Support versions keep the reading load, numbers, or choices friendlier while preserving the same thinking. Standard versions match everyday classroom practice. Challenge versions add a closer distractor, an extra reasoning step, or less familiar examples. Before answering, students should say what the question is asking, point to the evidence, and check that the answer fits the exact skill named in the title.

What your child will learn

Model take-away stories
Model comparison stories
Choose subtraction equations

Common Core standard: 1.OA.A.1

Worked example

Nine apples with four eaten leaves five apples, so 9 - 4 = 5.

Common mistake

Adding because the story contains two numbers.

Helpful hint

Look for what is taken away or compared.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with subtraction word problem models?

Adding because the story contains two numbers.

How can I help my child with subtraction word problem models?

Look for what is taken away or compared.

Are these 1st grade math worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 1st grade subtraction

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