Math word problem worksheet with five addition and subtraction exercises.

You're looking at a Mixed Addition and Subtraction Word Problems 1 worksheet. The goal is to solve each word problem using either addition or subtraction, then write the correct equation and answer.

Let’s go through each problem one by one and explain the solution:

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Problem 1:

> Roy starts with 24 bananas. He gives 23 to Pablo. How many bananas does Roy end with?

✔ Operation: Subtraction
Roy *starts* with 24, then *gives away* 23 — so he has fewer left.

Equation:
24 bananas – 23 bananas = 1 banana

✔ Answer: 1 banana

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Problem 2:

> Wanda has 4 crayons. 2 are eaten by a hippopotamus. How many crayons does Wanda have?

✔ Operation: Subtraction
“Eaten” means they’re gone — so subtract.

Equation:
4 crayons – 2 crayons = 2 crayons

✔ Answer: 2 crayons

*(Note: “eaten by a hippopotamus” is silly — but mathematically, we still subtract!)*

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Problem 3:

> Paul starts with 45 cards. Bobby takes 35 away. How many cards does Paul have?

✔ Operation: Subtraction
Bobby *takes away* 35 — so Paul has less.

Equation:
45 cards – 35 cards = 10 cards

✔ Answer: 10 cards

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Problem 4:

> Jen weighs 30 pounds. Joshua weighs 25 pounds. How much heavier is Josh than Jen?

⚠️ Important note: This is tricky! The question says “How much heavier is Josh than Jen?” — but Joshua weighs 25 pounds, and Jen weighs 30 pounds. That means Jen is heavier, not Josh!

So if we follow the wording literally:
“How much heavier is Josh than Jen?” → Since Josh is *lighter*, the answer would be negative — but in elementary math, this is likely a typo or misstatement.

✔ Likely intended question: “How much heavier is Jen than Josh?”

Then:
30 pounds – 25 pounds = 5 pounds

✔ Answer (assuming typo): 5 pounds

*(If you must stick to the exact wording, Josh is NOT heavier — he’s 5 pounds lighter. But since the worksheet expects a positive number, it’s safe to assume the question meant “Jen vs Josh.”)*

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Problem 5:

> There are 15 erasers in a box. Ralph takes 7 erasers. How many are left?

✔ Operation: Subtraction
Ralph *takes away* 7 — so subtract from total.

Equation:
15 erasers – 7 erasers = 8 erasers

✔ Answer: 8 erasers

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## ✔ Final Answers Summary:

| Problem | Equation | Answer |
|---------|-------------------------------|---------------|
| 1 | 24 – 23 = 1 | 1 banana |
| 2 | 4 – 2 = 2 | 2 crayons |
| 3 | 45 – 35 = 10 | 10 cards |
| 4 | 30 – 25 = 5 | 5 pounds |
| 5 | 15 – 7 = 8 | 8 erasers |

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## 💡 Teaching Tip:
These problems help students identify whether to add (combine, gain, increase) or subtract (take away, lose, decrease). Key words like “gives,” “eaten,” “takes away,” and “left” signal subtraction. Words like “total,” “altogether,” or “more” often signal addition.

For Problem 4, always double-check that the question makes logical sense — sometimes wordings can trick us!

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or more practice problems like this! 😊