Subtraction worksheets

Subtraction can mean taking away or finding a difference. If you have 14 counters and remove 6, you have 8 left.

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Subtraction can mean taking away or finding a difference. If you have 14 counters and remove 6, you have 8 left. You can also count from 6 to 14: four steps to 10 and another four to 14, so the difference is 8.

What to check

Identify the starting amount, the amount removed and the amount left. Check 14 − 6 = 8 with 8 + 6 = 14. Reversing the numbers does not preserve the answer in subtraction.

Explain and check

Work through one example aloud before independent practice. To check 18 + 7 = 25, calculate 25 − 7. If a word problem asks about meters or coins, include that unit and check whether the answer fits the situation.