How to explain subtraction sentences for word problems - up to three digits in word problems to your child: Example question
30 October 2026
When your child faces word problems with subtraction, it helps to break down the question into clear steps. This makes it easier for them to see how numbers are taken away in real-life situations.
Here is an example that shows how to turn a word problem into a subtraction sentence using numbers up to three digits.
Worked example
A shop had 245 stickers. It sold 128 stickers in one day. How many stickers are left?
First, work out the subtraction sentence:
245 - 128
Start with the ones: 5 - 8. You cannot do this, so you need to borrow. Take 1 ten from the 4 tens, making it 3 tens. Add 10 to the 5 ones to make 15.
Now, 15 - 8 = 7.
Next, move to the tens: 3 - 2 = 1.
Now, the hundreds: 2 - 1 = 1.
So, 245 - 128 = 117.
The correct answer is 117 stickers left.
After working through this example, your child will recognise how to set up and solve subtraction sentences in word problems. They will be ready to practise similar questions and build confidence with three-digit subtraction.
