Subtraction Word Problems for Grade 2 Math (USA) | Subtraction Statement Problems 2026
Subtraction Word Problems
Subtraction word problem solving provides Grade 2 students with ideas on how to solve subtraction problems.
1. Nine pigeons sat on a tree. Three pigeons flew away. How many were left?
Solution:
Total number of pegions sat on a tree = 9
Number of pigeons flew away = 3
Therefore, number of pigeons left = 9 - 3 = 6
2. Emily had 8 dollars. She spent 5 dollars. How many dollars is she left with?
Solution:
Total amount of money Emily had = $8
She spent = $5
Therefore, amount of money left with her = $8 - $5 = $3
3. Eleven buses were parked. Six of the buses drove away. How many were left?
Solution:
Total number of buses parked = 11
Number of buses drove away = 6
Therefore, number of buses were left = 11 - 6 = 5
4. Liam had 17 marbles. His grandfather took 2 marbles. How many marbles does Liam have now?
Solution:
Total number of marbles Liam had = 17
Number of marbles his grandfather took = 2
Therefore, number of marbles he has now = 17 - 2 = 15
5. Ethan had 21 chocolates. He gave 8 chocolates to his friend. How many chocolates were left with him?
Solution:
Total number of chocolates Ethan had = 21
Number of chocolates he gave to his friend = 8
Therefore, number of chocolates left = 21 - 8 = 13
More examples on Subtraction Word Problems for Grade 2 Math:
6. Mr. Michael had 45 cows in a field. When he opened the field gate, 17 cows went out. How many cows remained?
Solution:
Total number of cows in a field Mr. Michael had = 45
Number of cows went out = 17
Therefore, number of cows remained = 45 - 17 = 28
7. Noah’s father is 56 years old. His mother is 41 years old. What is the difference of their ages?
Solution:
Age of Noah’s father = 56 years
Age of his mother = 41 years
Therefore, difference of their ages = 56 - 41 = 15 years
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