This worksheet is best for students in Grades 6 to 8 who are learning to handle integer subtraction in practical, real-world contexts. It includes 15 relatable word problems that make math more meaningful, helping students see the everyday relevance of subtracting integers. Each problem is followed by an answer key to allow for easy checking, so students can learn and improve independently.
Knowing how to subtract integers is a valuable skill for daily life. For example, when temperatures drop or finances fluctuate, integer subtraction helps make sense of the changes. Think about going from a temperature of 7°C down to -3°C; subtracting these values tells you the difference. This worksheet offers similar everyday examples that bring math to life, helping students see how subtraction is used in various real-world scenarios.
Aside from improving math skills, this worksheet encourages students to think critically, stay organized, and pay close attention to details. Each question guides them to carefully read and analyze the scenario before solving it, which helps build confidence and good study habits. This practice extends beyond math class, providing strategies that can be used in exams and other academic subjects.
Yes, it’s designed with a variety of problems so students at different levels can benefit. Beginners can practice straightforward subtraction questions, while more experienced students can work on complex problems that challenge their understanding. The answer key makes self-assessment easy, giving students a way to identify where they might need more practice.
Yes, the worksheet can be downloaded as a PDF, and there’s also an interactive online quiz version. The online quiz offers immediate feedback, which helps students learn from their mistakes and see their progress in real-time. It’s a convenient option for practicing independently, whether at home or in the classroom.
This worksheet is a great way to build test-taking skills, as it incorporates integer subtraction in word problems similar to those found in exams. Working through these problems helps students understand how to approach math questions logically, manage their time, and double-check their answers. The real-world scenarios also make math more relatable, helping students feel more confident and prepared.
Time needed: 5 minutes
Solve the problem ‘A penguin stands on an iceberg 5 meters high and dives 30 meters. Where is it now?
The penguin starts on an iceberg 5 meters above sea level and dives downward, so the dive is a negative movement.
The starting position is 5 meters above sea level, and the dive distance is -30 meters downward.
Start with the height of 5 meters and subtract the dive distance: 5 – 30.
Calculate 5 – 30 to get -25.
The result, -25, shows the penguin is 25 meters below sea level.
To subtract integers, change the subtraction sign to addition and switch the sign of the integer being subtracted. So, subtracting a positive number becomes adding a negative, and subtracting a negative becomes adding a positive. For example, 5 − 7 is the same as 5 + (−7), which equals −2.
Practicing integer subtraction is important because it helps with real-life math skills, like understanding temperature changes, gains and losses, or even budgeting. Getting comfortable with integer subtraction also builds a strong math foundation for more complex topics, such as algebra and coordinate geometry.
A subtracting integers worksheet typically includes problems that range from simple calculations to word problems. You might find basic equations like 8−3 and −5−(−2) as well as real-world scenarios, like figuring out temperature drops or changes in elevation.
To help your child, start by reviewing the rules for subtracting integers and work through examples together. Use a number line for visual learners—it shows how positive and negative numbers move in opposite directions. Practice by solving a few problems, and encourage them to check their answers.
Yes! One tip is to remember “keep, change, change”: keep the first number as it is, change the subtraction to addition, and change the sign of the second number. This trick helps students stay on track and solve subtraction problems accurately.
