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Subtraction Detective Worksheet

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Subtraction Detective Worksheet

Solve each clue to help the subtraction detective. You can use the number line to count back. Show how you know when asked.

Clue 1: The missing footprints

Use this number line to solve the subtraction clues.

1.The clue starts at 14. Count back 6 steps. What number do you land on? Write the subtraction sentence.
2.A number minus 5 equals 9. Find the missing number: □ - 5 = 9.
3.Solve 17 - □ = 11. What number belongs in the box?

Clue 2: Check the evidence

Read each subtraction claim carefully.

4.A detective says, “16 - 7 = 9.” Is the claim true or false?
5.A suspect writes 13 - 5 = 9. Write the correct answer to 13 - 5.
6.A kete has 18 feijoas. Maia gives 9 feijoas away. How many feijoas are left?
  • 7
  • 9
  • 11
7.Match each subtraction sentence with the correct answer.
  • 15 - 8
  • 12 - 6
  • 19 - 9
  • 6
  • 10
  • 7

Clue 3: Solve the case

Use subtraction to solve the story clues, then make one up of your own.

8.There are 20 books on a trolley. Eight are borrowed. How many books remain on the trolley? Write a subtraction sentence.
9.Solve 32 - 14. Show or explain a way to work it out, such as counting back or splitting 14 into 10 and 4.
10.Create a subtraction story with an answer of 6. Write the story and its subtraction sentence.

3 printable pages

  • Subtraction Detective Worksheet, page 1 of 3: Clue 1: The missing footprints

    Page 1

  • Subtraction Detective Worksheet, page 2 of 3: Clue 2: Check the evidence, Clue 3: Solve the case

    Page 2

  • Subtraction Detective Worksheet, page 3 of 3: 9. Solve 32 - 14. Show or explain a way to work it out, such as counting back or

    Page 3

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