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Subtraction word problems on 3-digit numbers help students apply subtraction skills to real-life situations. These problems encourage logical thinking, improve problem-solving abilities, and strengthen understanding of place value. In this lesson, students will learn how to solve 3-digit subtraction word problems using simple strategies and step-by-step methods.
How to Solve Subtraction Word Problems on 3-Digit Numbers?
Follow these steps to solve a subtraction word problem:
Step I: Read the problem carefully.
Step II: Identify the numbers given.
Step III: Determine what needs to be found.
Step IV: Choose subtraction as the operation.
Step V: Subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
Step VI: Write the answer with the correct unit.
Solved Examples of Subtraction Word Problems on 3-Digit Numbers:
In our daily life, we come across the situations where we use the concept of subtraction. Let us consider some examples:
1. In a cinema hall, there are 384 seats. If 129 seats are vacant, how many people are there in the hall?
Solution:
Total number of seats in the cinema hall = 384
Number of seats vacant = 129
Number of people in the hall = 384 – 129
= 255
2. Mohit earns ₹924 per week. His weekly expenditure is ₹694. Find his weekly savings.
Solution:
Earnings per week = 924
Expenditure per week = 694
Weekly savings = 924 – 694
= 230
His weekly savings are equal to = 230.
3. A library had 865 books. It donated 243 books to another school. How many books are left in the library?
Solution:
865
– 243
622
Answer: 622 books are left in the library.
4. There were 734 visitors at a museum. By afternoon, 218 visitors had left. How many visitors remained?
Solution:
734
– 218
516
Answer: 516 visitors remained.
5. A farmer harvested 952 mangoes. He sold 386 mangoes in the market. How many mangoes were left?
Solution:
952
– 386
566
Answer: 566 mangoes were left.
Worksheet on Subtraction Word Problems on 3-Digit Numbers:
1. 592 students appeared in an examination. Out of these 264 failed. How many students passed?
2. Pooja collected baseball cards. She had 293 cards. She gave some of her cards to Aditi and now she has 91 cards left. How many cards did Pooja give to Aditi?
3. A flower-seller had 392 flowers. He sold 247 of them. How many flowers were left with him?
4. A truck was loaded with 370 packets of parcels. If 128 packets were delivered at a place, how many packets were left?
5. The cost of a dress is 904. During the festive season, it was sold at a special price of 687. For how much less than its cost was the dress sold?
6. There are 675 books in a library. 297 books were lent out to the students. How many books are now in the library?
7. A farmer produced 815 kg of wheat. 149 kg was damaged due to rain and the rest he sold. How many kilograms of wheat was sold?
8. There are 643 books in a public library. 125 books were issued to the members. How many books remained unissued in the library?
9. What must be added to 223 to get 665?
Subtraction Story Sums Answer
1. 328 students passed.
2. Pooja gave 202 cards to Aditi.
3. 145 flowers were left.
4. 242 packets were left.
5. The dress was sold for ₹217 less than its cost.
6. 378 books are now in the library.
7. 666 kg of wheat was sold.
8. 518 books remained unissued.
9. 442 must be added to 223 to get 665.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Answer:
These are real-life math problems that require subtracting one 3-digit number from another to find the difference.
Answer:
Practice helps students understand how subtraction is used in everyday situations and improves problem-solving skills.
Answer:
The first step is to read the problem carefully and identify the numbers and the information needed.
Subtraction word problems on 3-digit numbers provide an excellent way for students to apply subtraction skills in practical situations. Regular practice with these problems improves accuracy, confidence, and mathematical reasoning, helping students become better problem solvers.
About Author
Written by Priyanka Ghosh
Mathematics Educator | Founder of Math Only Math
Priyanka Ghosh has been teaching elementary and middle-school mathematics for over 12 years and specializes in creating simple, child-friendly math lessons and worksheets.
Published at : 04 Jun 2026 09:25 PM (IST)
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