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Addition and Subtraction Skills

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Addition and Subtraction Skills worksheet preview

Addition and Subtraction Skills

Addition and subtraction worksheet illustration

🎯 WALT: We Are Learning To understand the difference between addition and subtraction, and choose the correct operation to solve problems.

✅ Success Criteria: I can add two numbers together. I can subtract one number from another. I can decide whether to add or subtract to solve a word problem.

⭐ Part 1: Choose the Right Sign

Write + or in the box to make each number sentence correct.

1.   3   [     ]   4   =   7

Answer: 3 ____ 4 = 7

2.   9   [     ]   3   =   6

Answer: 9 ____ 3 = 6

3.   5   [     ]   2   =   7

Answer: 5 ____ 2 = 7

4.   10   [     ]   4   =   6

Answer: 10 ____ 4 = 6

💡 Hint: If the answer is bigger than the first number, you probably need to add. If the answer is smaller, you probably need to subtract!

🔢 Part 2: Solve the Equations

Solve each problem. Use the space below each question to show your working out.

5. (⭐ Support)   4 + 3 = ____
6. (⭐ Support)   8 − 5 = ____
7. (⭐⭐ On Track)   14 + 6 = ____
8. (⭐⭐ On Track)   17 − 9 = ____
9. (⭐⭐⭐ Challenge)   23 + 15 = ____
10. (⭐⭐⭐ Challenge)   40 − 18 = ____

📖 Part 3: Word Problems — Add or Subtract?

Read each story. Decide if you need to add or subtract, then solve it. Circle your operation!

11. Mia has 6 stickers. She gets 5 more stickers for her birthday. How many stickers does she have now?

Add    
Subtract

Number sentence: ____ ____ ____ = ____

12. There are 12 apples in a basket. Jake eats 4 apples. How many apples are left?

Add    
Subtract

Number sentence: ____ ____ ____ = ____

13. (⭐⭐⭐ Challenge) There are 25 children on the playground. 8 go inside for lunch. Then 3 more come out to play. How many children are on the playground now?

Step 1: 25 ____ 8 = ____

Step 2: ____ ____ 3 = ____

14. 🖊️ Write your own word problem that uses addition OR subtraction. Swap with a friend to solve!

🌟 Reflection

How confident do you feel about addition and subtraction today? Tick one box:

😊 I feel great! I can add and subtract on my own.

🙂 I mostly understand but need a little help.

😐 I need more practice — please help me!

💻 ICT Extension: Ask your teacher to log in to Mathletics or SplashLearn to practise more addition and subtraction games online!

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