Separate Word Problems – How to Teach By Problem Type
Solving word problems is difficult for students, but teaching students how to read the word problem and understand the context or situation of the world problem sets a good foundation for future work with complex word problems.
The Separate Word Problem Type are similar to the Join Word Problem type in structure, but ask students to subtract or separate two things rather than add or join them together. This post will focus on the types of separate word problems, including separate change unknown, separate result unknown, and separate start unknown.
Below is a video that I recorded on Separate Word Problems by Problem Type. The text below has some highlights from the video, but the video goes more in-depth with explanations and examples.
One thing I did emphasize in this video, over the Join Word Problems video, is the use of number lines. I looked more in-depth at how the number line changes with each unknown in the problem.
Three Types of Math Separate Word Problems
There are three types of separate word problems, including Separate Change Unknown (SCU), Separate Result Unknown (SRU), and Separate Start Unknown (SSU).
The video below and this blog post go in-depth about using keywords to solve these types of problems.
Here are three examples of separate word problems. As you read across these examples, think about the context or the verb in the problem and ask yourself, what is happening in the problem and what is unknown.
SRU (Separate Result Unknown)
There were ___ kids on the playground. ____ kids went home. How many kids are left on the playground?
SCU (Separate Change Unknown)
There were ___ kids on the playground. Some kids went home. Now there are ___ kids on the playground. How many kids went home?
SSU (Separate Start Unknown)
There were some kids on the playground. ____ kids went home. Now there are ___ kids on the playground. How many kids were on the playground at the beginning?
How to Teach The Separate Word Problem Type
I go in-depth about teaching word problems in the Join Word Problems Video Post. I follow a specific routine when I teach Join and Separate word problems to students, which includes using consistent vocabulary, solving for an unknown, labeling the word problem, writing an equation, and giving students the numbers. You can read more about each component of the routine in the Join Word Problems Video Post.
You can find out more about why I don’t give students the numbers until the very end in this blog post.
Addition and Subtraction Word Problems: Teach the Types of Word Problems
Master addition and subtraction word problems with this year-long resource! Covers all types of word problems, including first grade addition word problems and 2nd grade subtraction word problems, with built-in differentiation, models, and vocabulary support.
Video for Separate Word Problems
This video highlights each of the problem types for Separate Word Problems above and also focuses on how to use a number line when solving two-digit equations. You can find additional models and strategies that I use with students in this blog post, although a number line is by far my favorite.
Free Word Problems by Problem Type, Including Separate Word Problems
Do you want a free sample of the word problems I use in my classroom?
See more Word Problem Ideas and Resources
Are you teaching word problems to your elementary students? Do you need more teaching resources for them? Do you want to learn more about teaching word problems? If so, then you might find some of the posts below helpful.
How to Use a Tape Diagram to Solve Word Problems
The CUBES Math Strategy – Should K-2 Teachers Use It?
Why Numberless Word Problems Should be a Part of Your Curriculum
How to Teach Students to Solve Word Problems
The Problem with Using Keywords to Solve Word Problems
Jessica BOschen
Jessica is a teacher, homeschool parent, and entrepreneur. She shares her passion for teaching and education on What I Have Learned. Jessica has 16 years of experience teaching elementary school and currently homeschools her two middle and high school boys. She enjoys scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success in all academic areas.