Subtraction Word Problem: Calculate 37 - 7 Shared Bracelets

Neither! You subtract from their combined total. Since they gave away 7 bracelets together, you need to find their total first: $20 + 17 = 37$, then subtract: $37 - 7 = 30$.

Then you'd subtract 7 from each person individually! Maya would have $20 - 7 = 13$ and Rachel would have $17 - 7 = 10$ for a total of 23. Always read carefully to see if it's total given or each person gives.

Look for keywords! 'Together' or 'collectively' means add their amounts first. If they're doing something as a team, combine their quantities before applying any changes.

Yes! You could think: Maya keeps $20 - 7 = 13$ and Rachel keeps all 17, giving $13 + 17 = 30$. But the standard way (add first, then subtract) is usually clearer and less confusing.

Collectively means together as a group. When Maya and Rachel collectively give 7 bracelets, it means they gave away 7 total from their combined pile, not 7 each!