MathematicsFreePrintable
Real-World Math Expressions
A free mathematics worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.
Name:Date:
Real-World Math Expressions
Read each situation carefully. Write an expression using the numbers given, and explain your reasoning when asked. Do not calculate unless the question asks for a value.
Notice the Clues
Identify numbers and words that hint at an operation.
1.Andre has 22 trading cards and gives 9 of them to his cousin. Write an expression that represents how many cards Andre has now.
2.Which words or phrases commonly suggest adding a quantity? Select all that apply.
- increased by
- gave away
- combined
- spent
- in all
3.Which words or phrases commonly suggest subtracting a quantity? Select all that apply.
- remaining
- earned
- difference
- joined
- used up
Write an Expression
Turn each everyday situation into a one-step expression.
4.Hiroshi reads 14 pages on Saturday and 19 pages on Sunday. Write an expression for the total number of pages she reads.
5.Eli has $40 and spends $13 on a game. Write an expression for the amount of money he has left.
6.A cooler holds 16 bottles of water. The team takes out 7 bottles. Write an expression for the number of bottles still in the cooler.
7.The temperature at sunrise was 38°F. By lunchtime, it had risen 11°F. Which expression represents the lunchtime temperature?
- 38 - 11
- 38 + 11
- 11 - 38
- 38 × 11
Explain and Create
Show how the wording of a situation helps you choose an operation.
8.Zoe walks 2 miles before school and 4 miles after school. Write an expression for the total distance, then explain why that operation fits.
9.Write an original story problem that can be represented by 31 - 12. Include a question that the expression answers.
10.Use the situation “A library cart has 27 books and 8 more books are brought over.” Write one question that would be answered with addition and a different question that would be answered with subtraction.
2 printable pages
Page 1
Page 2
About This Worksheet
Free in Kuraplan
Sign up free, grab the PDF, and customize it for your class.
Print-Ready
Formatted for standard paper. Clean layout, easy to read.
AI-Generated
Created with Kuraplan's AI, designed for real classroom use.
For Teachers & Parents
Use in classrooms, for homework, tutoring, or homeschool.
Need a custom version of this worksheet?
Kuraplan's AI generates custom worksheets in seconds — differentiated for every learner, aligned to your curriculum.
Generate Custom Worksheets — Free No credit card Curriculum-aligned Under 60 seconds
More Mathematics Worksheets
10th Grade
Linear Equation Solutions
Free
Functions and Relations Classification
Free
9th Grade
Radicals and Exponents Practice
Free
Y-Intercept Answer Key
Free
Understanding Variables Worksheet
Free
6th Grade
Properties in Expressions
Free
6th Grade
Variables in Real Life
Free
7th Grade