An easy question on sum and difference for P1–P2, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. A regular in primary maths competitions such as the Hua Xia Cup, from the P1 and P2 first rounds to the P5 finals.
The question
Ming and May have 27 stickers altogether.
Ming has 19 more than May.
How many stickers does May have?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: If Ming puts his 19 extra stickers aside, how do the two compare?
💡Hint 2: Then they have the same number. How many are left in all?
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.Take away Ming's 19 extra: 27 − 19 = 8, and now they have the same.
2.They have the same, half each: May has 8 ÷ 2 = 4.
⚠️Common mistake: halving 27 straight away. They don't have the same, so take away the extra 19 first.
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