One-Step Addition and Subtraction Stories

1) Understand the story

Read the problem carefully and identify what is happening. In one-step stories, you usually need to combine amounts or find what is left.

• If the story says things are being put together, add.
• If the story says something is being taken away or compared, subtract.

2) Pick the numbers and operation

Write down the numbers from the story and choose the operation that matches the situation. A quick way to check is to ask:

• “Is the amount getting bigger?” → addition
• “Is the amount getting smaller?” → subtraction

3) Compute the answer

Carry out the calculation carefully. If needed, use objects, drawings, or number lines to help you keep track of the quantities.

4) Simplify the final answer

Give the result in its simplest form. Make sure it matches the context of the story and includes the correct unit or label if one is given.

5) Check your work

Read the story again and see whether your answer makes sense.

• For addition, the answer should be larger than each starting number.
• For subtraction, the answer should be smaller than the starting amount.

If the answer does not fit the situation, go back and re-check the operation and calculation.