Math Drills
'Fewer' Word Problems
1Word Problems

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What this worksheet covers
- Worksheet
- 'Fewer' Word Problems
Every situation gathered here carries the word fewer somewhere in the sentence. Ask for the smaller side and a subtraction is wanted; ask for the other side and an addition is. The word stays the same while the question sentence swaps the equation over.
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Whichever side was called fewer has to come out smaller than the other once the answer is written. Setting that answer beside the figures given in the text and comparing sizes decides there and then whether the direction was right. The comparison earns its keep most where the larger side is being asked for.
This is the earlier of two lessons. In 'More' Word Problems the word is reversed and the choice of equation turns over with it. The groundwork for turning a comparison into an equation is laid in this one lesson.
- Addition3 questions
- Subtraction3 questions
Questions & answers
Problems and answers on this worksheet
These are the problems in “Difference Word Problems”, shown with their answers.
(1)At Emily's park, there are 14 ladybugs. There are 8 fewer ladybugs than butterflies. How many butterflies are there? Answer □
Answer: 22butterflies
(2)On Ethan's bookshelf, there are 42 notebooks. There are 29 fewer notebooks than books. How many books are there? Answer □
Answer: 71books
(3)On the snack table, there are 56 cookies. There are 37 fewer cookies than candies. How many candies are there? Answer □
Answer: 93candies
(4)At the store, 34 oranges are lined up. There are 18 fewer apples than oranges. How many apples are there? Answer □
Answer: 16apples
(5)In the park, 126 red flowers are blooming. There are 38 fewer yellow flowers than red flowers. How many yellow flowers are blooming? Answer □
Answer: 88flowers
(6)In the parking lot, 258 cars are parked. There are 79 fewer buses than cars. How many buses are there? Answer □
Answer: 179buses




