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Solving Subtraction Equations
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Solving Subtraction Equations
In each equation, x is the number being taken away. Find x by asking: what number added to the answer on the right makes the starting number? Check that x is zero or greater.
Find the missing number
Solve each equation for x.
1.Sixteen minus x equals nine. What is x?
2.Thirteen minus x equals six. Find x.
3.Nineteen minus x equals eleven. Find x.
4.Seventeen minus x equals eight. Find x.
5.Fifteen minus x equals seven. Find x.
6.On a canoe trip, Maya starts with 18 granola bars. After sharing some with the group, 10 bars are left. How many bars did Maya share? Write an equation and solve it.
7.Charlotte counts 14 smooth stones by the shore. She puts some in her pocket, and 5 stones remain. How many stones did she put in her pocket? Write an equation and solve it.
8.Choose the value of x that makes 20 − x = 12 true.
- 6
- 8
- 12
- 32
9.Aria has 16 canoe-trip postcards. She gives some away and keeps 9. Which equation shows the situation?
- Add the number given away to 16 to get 9.
- Subtract the number given away from 16 to get 9.
- Subtract 16 from 9 to get the number given away.
- Subtract 16 from the number given away to get 9.
Explain and stretch your thinking
Show how you know your answer is correct.
10.Solve 23 − x = 15. Then explain how addition can help you check your answer.
11.Challenge: Solve 32 − x = 17. Show an addition sentence to check your answer.
12.Challenge: Two whole numbers a and b add to 14. Their difference is 4, so a − b = 4. What are a and b?
3 printable pages
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