Subtraction Worksheets For 1st – 6th Grade: Free And Printable Worksheets

Subtraction worksheets are an invaluable resource for both students and teachers from grades 1 through 6. They play a crucial role in reinforcing essential subtraction skills and offer plentiful opportunities for practicing subtraction facts. For learners, these worksheets provide numerous exercises to practice and master basic subtraction concepts, such as subtraction equations and number lines, which are fundamental for understanding more complex math topics, including borrowing and multi-digit operations.

Engaging in subtraction practice enhances learners’ critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning abilities, laying the foundation for future success in mathematics.

This collection of subtraction worksheets aims to equip teachers with grade-appropriate resources that help build this fundamental math skill that forms the basis for many more advanced math concepts.

How children learn subtraction strategies

Children learn subtraction progressively from first through sixth grade, following the Common Core Math Standards to build a strong foundation in this critical mathematical operation. In first grade, children are introduced to subtraction concepts through visual aids and math manipulatives, forming a foundational understanding of basic subtraction skills. As they advance to second and third grade, they develop fluency with basic subtraction facts and mental subtraction. They begin handling larger numbers, enhancing their operational sense with subtraction.

In upper elementary grades, students refine their subtraction skills, incorporating techniques like regrouping and solving subtraction problems of increasing complexity that involve multi-digit numbers, decimals, and fractions. By sixth grade, students are equipped to tackle advanced math problems, including negative integers and mixed numbers, and apply their subtraction knowledge to solve real-world subtraction word problems.

Throughout this continuum, subtraction is taught in conjunction with addition as they are inverse operations, reinforcing students’ comprehension of their interrelationships. This comprehensive approach ensures students build confidence and efficiency in using subtraction both in and out of the classroom.

Why we’ve brought together these subtraction worksheets

We’ve brought these math worksheets together after speaking with numerous educators who express the need for a comprehensive set of ready-to-use math worksheets that they can effortlessly incorporate into their class activities and assign as homework for elementary-level students.

Third Space Learning is committed to making math accessible for all learners and bridging the math achievement gap, all while helping teachers save precious time!

This collection of subtraction worksheets is designed to provide teachers with an easy to use resource that gives students more practice to develop a strong understanding of subtraction and the opportunity to apply their learning to a range of everyday problem solving scenarios.

What to expect from these subtraction worksheets

Math experts craft every worksheet in this subtraction collection to ensure alignment with the Common Core State Standards. Moreover, each worksheet is adaptable to fit specific state standards.

Each printable worksheet, complete with an answer key, is designed to provide learners with essential subtraction practice. This practice helps young learners to master the skills required to achieve proficiency at each grade level, including fundamental subtraction techniques.

How to use these subtraction worksheets

There are numerous ways to incorporate these subtraction worksheets into your teaching strategy, both inside and outside the classroom. To access the appropriate worksheet, simply click the link in this guide, enter your email address, and the worksheet will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Here are some ways to use these worksheets to fortify learners’ understanding and fluency in subtraction:

• Independent practice in class or at math centers;

• As timed tests to improve fluency;

• As warm-up exercises in math lessons;

• Integration into the school’s math curriculum;

• As at-home math practice to reinforce classroom learning.

Subtraction worksheets by grade

This guide includes explanations of the subtraction concepts that learners need to master at each grade level from 1 through 6.

For each grade, you’ll find subtraction strategies, worked examples, and practice problems to complete, alongside the relevant Third Space Learning subtraction worksheets tailored to that grade. These resources are designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of subtraction at every stage of elementary school.

1st grade subtraction worksheets

In first grade, students learn the fundamental principles of subtraction, focusing on concepts of taking away from a group and comparing numbers. Subtraction is introduced as an inverse operation to addition, helping students understand the relationship between addition and subtraction.

To aid comprehension, teachers use visual aids like number lines, counters, or drawings to illustrate subtraction scenarios. This grade level emphasizes single digit subtraction and understanding subtraction within 20 and developing strategies to find the difference and solve basic subtraction problems effectively.

1st grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1

Question: Subtract 7 from 12.

Answer: 5

Use a number line to count backward from 12 by 7 steps, which lands on 5.

Example 2

Question: Subtract 4 from 9.

Answer: 5

Begin with 9 counters and remove 4, leaving you with 5 counters.

Using mental math strategies, think about what you need to add to 4 to reach 9, which is 5. Read our blog on how to teach subtraction.

1st grade subtraction practice problem

Question: Sarah has 10 toy cars, and she gives 3 to her friend. How many toy cars does she have left?

Answer: 7 toy cars remain because 10 – 3 = 7.

2nd grade subtraction worksheets

In second grade, students advance their subtraction skills by working with numbers up to 100. They learn to solve more complex subtraction problems and develop strategies such as breaking numbers apart and using place value knowledge to facilitate calculations.

Second graders are also introduced to subtraction with regrouping, which involves borrowing from adjacent place values to solve problems with larger numbers. These skills help deepen a student’s understanding of subtraction and prepares them for future mathematical concepts.

2nd grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1

Question: Subtract 35 from 58.

Answer: 23

First, subtract the ones: 8 – 5 = 3.

Next, subtract the tens: 5 – 3 = 2.

Combine the results for a total of 23.

Example 2

Question: Subtract 48 from 62.

Answer: 14

Since you can’t subtract 8 from 2, students need to regroup. Borrow 1 from the tens place of 6. The 2 becomes 12, and 6 becomes 5.

Subtract the ones: 12 – 8 = 4.

Subtract the tens: 5 – 4 = 1.

Combine them for a total of 14.

2nd grade subtraction practice problem

Question: Mike collected 87 seashells at the beach. He gave 29 to his friend. How many seashells does he have left?

Answer: 58 seashells, because 87 – 29 = 58.

3rd grade subtraction worksheets

In third grade, students deepen their understanding of subtraction by working with three digit numbers up to 1,000. They focus on developing fluency with subtraction facts, including regrouping techniques, and apply their skills to solve real-world problems. Additionally, students begin to explore subtraction within the context of multi-step word problems.

Common Core standards emphasize the development of efficient strategies for subtraction, encouraging the use of mental math, estimation, and checking the reasonableness of answers. Students also learn to use standard algorithm subtraction to enhance their math strategies for problem solving.

3rd grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1

Question: Subtract 527 from 864.

Answer: 337

Start with the ones: 4 – 7 requires regrouping. Borrow 1 from tens, making it 14. Subtract: 14 – 7 = 7.

Move to the tens: Now 5 (originally 6) minus 2 = 3.

Subtract the hundreds: 8 – 5 = 3.

Combine for a total of 337.

Example 2

Question: Subtract 609 from 752.

Answer: 143

Begin with the ones: 2 – 9 requires regrouping. Borrow 1 from tens, turning it to 12. Subtract: 12 – 9 = 3.

Next, tens: Now 4 (from reduction) minus 0 = 4.

Finally, hundreds: 7 – 6 = 1.

Combine it all to get 143.

3rd grade subtraction practice problem

Question: Megan baked 726 cookies for a bake sale. She sold 389 cookies. How many cookies does she have left?

Answer: 337 cookies, because 726 – 389 = 337.

4th grade subtraction worksheets

In fourth grade, students work on enhancing their subtraction skills with larger numbers and more complex problems. Subtraction of multi-digit numbers, including numbers up to the tens of thousands, is a key focus.

The Common Core standards encourage fourth graders to refine their understanding of subtraction by using place value and properties of operations. Students also solve word problems that require multiple steps and the application of strategies such as estimation math and mental math.

4th grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1

Question: Subtract 4,856 from 7,203.

Answer: 2,347

Subtract the ones: 3 – 6 requires regrouping. Borrow 1 from tens, making it 13. Subtract: 13 – 6 = 7.

Move to the tens: Now 0 (after reduction) minus 5 requires another regroup. Borrow from hundreds, becoming 10. Subtract: 9 – 5 = 5.

Hundreds position: Now 1 (after borrowing) minus 8 needs regrouping. Take from thousands, making it 11. Subtract: 11 – 8 = 3.

Thousands place: Finally 6 (after original borrow) minus 4 = 2.

Combine for a total of 2,347.

Example 2

Question: Subtract 5,738 from 8,642.

Answer: 2,904

Start with the ones: 2 – 8 requires regrouping. Borrow from tens, making it 12. Subtract: 12 – 8 = 4.

Next, tens: Now 3 (after reduction) minus 3 = 0.

Move to hundreds: 6 – 7 needs another borrow. Borrow from thousands, turning it into 16. Subtract: 16 – 7 = 9.

Finally, thousands: Now 7 (after borrowing) minus 5 = 2.

Combine it all to get 2,904.

4th grade subtraction practice problem

Question: Lucas had 9,162 marbles. He traded 2,735 of them. How many marbles does he have left?

Answer: 6,427 marbles, because 9,162 – 2,735 = 6,427.

5th grade subtraction worksheets

In fifth grade, students achieve mastery in subtraction by working with even larger numbers and applying their skills in more diverse contexts. They focus on subtraction involving decimals and fractions, integrating their knowledge with real-world applications.

Aligned with Common Core standards, fifth graders learn to perform multi-digit subtraction with efficiency and accuracy. They also explore subtraction in the context of problem-solving scenarios, enhancing their analytical and logical reasoning skills.

5th grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1

Question: Subtract 45,872 from 93,654.

Answer: 47,782

Start with the ones: 4 – 2 = 2.

Tens: 5 – 7 requires regrouping. Borrow from hundreds, making it 15. Subtract: 15 – 7 = 8.

Hundreds: Now 5 (after borrowing) minus 8 needs regrouping. Borrow from thousands, making it 15. Subtract: 15 – 8 = 7.

Thousands: Now 2 (after borrowing) minus 5 requires regrouping again. Borrow from ten-thousands, making it 12. Subtract: 12 – 5 = 7.

Ten-thousands: Finally 8 (after original borrow) minus 4 = 4.

Combine for a total of 47,782.

Example 2: Subtracting Decimals

Question: Subtract 5.73 from 12.58.

Answer: 6.85

Line up the decimals and subtract:

Start with hundredths: 8 – 3 = 5.

Tenths: 5 – 7 requires borrowing. Borrow from units, making it 15. Subtract: 15 – 7 = 8.

Units: Now 1 (after borrowing) minus 5 = 6.

The final result is 6.85.

5th grade subtraction practice problem

Question: Ella has $123.45 in savings. She spends $47.89 on a new game. How much money does she have left?

Answer: $75.56, because $123.45 – $47.89 = $75.56.

6th grade subtraction worksheets

In sixth grade, students refine their subtraction techniques by working with both whole numbers and more complex rational numbers, including negative numbers and mixed fractions. Emphasis is placed on applying these skills in real life math scenarios and multi-step problems.

Aligned with Common Core standards, sixth graders extend their understanding of subtracting numbers by connecting their knowledge to algebraic thinking and exploring the subtraction of integers and higher-level decimals.

6th grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1: Subtracting Integers

Question: Subtract -7 from 14.

Answer: 21

To subtract a negative, add its positive: 14 + 7 = 21.

Example 2: Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Question: Subtract 5 \frac{3}{4} from 9\frac{2}{3}.

Answer: 3\frac{11}{12}

First, find a common denominator for the fractions: Use 12.

Convert 5 \frac{3}{4} to 5 \frac{9}{12} and 9\frac{2}{3} to 9\frac{8}{12}.

Since \frac{8}{12} is less than \frac{9}{12}, borrow 1 from the whole number in 9, making it 8\frac{20}{12}.

Now subtract: 8\frac{20}{12} – 5 \frac{9}{12} = 3\frac{11}{12}.

6th grade subtraction practice problem

Question: A temperature of 15 degrees drops to -8 degrees overnight. What is the change in temperature?

Answer: 23 degrees decrease, because 15 – (-8) = 15 + 8 = 23.

7th grade subtraction worksheets

In seventh grade, students deepen their understanding of subtraction within the framework of the Common Core Math Standards by tackling more advanced numerical concepts and algebraic expressions. This level emphasizes subtraction techniques involving integers, rational numbers, and algebraic terms.

Students advance their skills by solving multi-step problems that require critical thinking and the application of subtraction in real-life scenarios. They are encouraged to connect subtraction with algebraic principles, using it to simplify expressions and solve equations involving positive and negative numbers.

7th grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1: Subtracting Integers with Variables

Question: Simplify the expression: x - (-3)

Answer: x + 3

Explanation: To subtract a negative, add its positive value, turning the expression into x + 3.

Example 2: Subtracting Rational Numbers with Variables

Question: Subtract 4\frac{1}{2x} from 7\frac{3}{4x}

Answer: 3\frac{1}{4x}

Steps:

• Convert to improper fractions: 4\frac{1}{2x} = \frac{9}{2x} and 7\frac{3}{4x} = \frac{31}{4x}

• Find a common denominator: Use 4.

• Convert: \frac{9}{2x} = \frac{18}{4x}
• Subtract: \frac{31}{4x} – \frac{18}{4x} = \frac{13}{4x}

• Convert back to a mixed number: 3\frac{1}{4x}

7th grade subtraction practice problem

A submarine is positioned at 30 feet below sea level and descends to 75 feet below sea level. What is the change in its depth?

Answer: 45 feet deeper, because 30 – (-75) = 30 + 75 = 105 feet change, moving from 30 to 105 feet below.

8th grade subtraction worksheets

In eighth grade, students achieve mastery in subtraction by applying advanced techniques in various mathematical contexts, guided by the Common Core Math Standards. This stage emphasizes the use of subtraction in algebraic expressions, polynomial operations, and the analysis of linear equations.

Students use subtraction to solve complex, multi-step problems, often involving transformations between different forms of numbers and functions. The focus is on understanding subtraction as part of broader mathematical operations, integrating it with learning about functions, inequality resolution, and systems of equations.

8th grade subtraction worked examples

Example 1: Subtracting Polynomials

Question: Subtract (3x^2 + 5x - 7) from ( 5x^2 - 3x + 4 )

Answer: 2x^2 - 8x + 11

Steps:

• Distribute the negative sign: ( 5x^2 - 3x + 4 ) - ( 3x^2 + 5x - 7 )

• Simplify: 5x^2 - 3x^2  gives 2x^2, -3x - 5x gives -8x, and 4 - (-7) gives 11.

• Combine to form: 2x^2 - 8x + 11.

Example 2: Solving Equations with Subtraction

Solve the equation: 6x - 8 = 4x + 7

Answer: x = 7.5

Steps:

• Subtract 4x from both sides.
• Simplify to: 2x - 8 = 7.
• Add 8 to both sides: 2x = 15.

• Divide by 2: x = 7.5.

8th grade subtraction practice problem

A function f(x) is defined as f(x) = 3x2 + 2x - 5. Compute f(x) - g(x) if g(x) = x2 - x + 2.

Answer: 2x^2 + 3x - 7

Where to find more printable subtraction worksheets and resources

Browse the Third Space Learning resource library for more free resources. You’ll find a selection of free printable worksheets, topic guides and additional resources on Numbers and Quantity

For quick download, here’s a list of ready-to-go, easy-to-use subtraction worksheets for 1st through 6th graders: 

Subtraction worksheets key takeaways

Subtraction skills progressively develop from 1st through 6th grade, emphasizing various strategies and applications. Throughout this learning journey, students:

• Recognize subtraction as the inverse operation of addition, fostering an understanding of their interconnectedness.

• Begin with foundational subtraction concepts using visual aids and hands-on models, gradually advancing to more abstract and efficient strategies.

• Familiarize themselves with subtraction of larger numbers, decimals, fractions, and negative integers as they progress through the grades.

• Learn to apply subtraction skills in multifaceted ways to solve complex, real-world problems across different contexts.

• Are encouraged to use estimation, mental math, and analytical reasoning to verify and check their work.

Teachers play a crucial role in enhancing students’ comprehension by providing practical, contextual examples and opportunities for hands-on subtraction exercises. These experiences cultivate a deeper understanding and lasting proficiency in subtraction.

Consolidating subtraction with Third Space Learning

In addition to a wide range of free worksheets, topic guides and resources, Third Space Learning provides one-on-one math tutoring for struggling students.

Math curriculum experts carefully design each lesson to align with Common Core and state-specific standards. Students across the U.S. signed up for our math programs follow personalized pathways aligned to their state.

Because lessons take place online, schools can organize lessons to suit their schedule, before, during or after school. The one-on-one nature allows targeted support for each individual student to help them close their individual learning gaps.

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Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for:
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