Subtracting on a Number Line Worksheets
Welcome to our Subtracting on a Number Line Worksheet page.
Here you will find a selection of free printable subtraction worksheets, which involve using a number line to subtract a single digit from a range of numbers.
These worksheets have been designed for children working at a first or second grade level.
Subtracting on a Number Line
Using number lines is a great way to understand addition and subtraction and to physically count on or back the correct number of ones required for the answer.
The sheets on this page have been designed for 1st and 2nd graders to help them understand how to work out subtraction problems by counting back the required number of ones.
On this page, we have a range of worksheets to develop counting along a number line within 10, 20 and 100.
Using these subtracting on a number line worksheets will help your child to:
- subtract a single digit from numbers within 10, 20 or 100 using a number line;
- use a number line to find a missing subtrahend;
Quicklinks to...
Subtracting on a Number Line Examples
These examples show how to subtract on a number line within 10, 20 or 100.
We also have several examples showing how to use a number line to find a missing subtrahend.
Example 1)
Use the number line below to work out 9 - 2.
We need to start at number 9.
We need to count back (or jump back) on 2 ones.
We end up at number 7.
This gives us: 9 - 2 = 7
Example 2)
Use the number line below to work out 17 − 4.
We need to start at number 17.
We need to count (or jump) back 4 ones.
We end up at 13.
This gives us: 17 − 4 = 13
Example 3)
Use the number line below to work out 73 − 5.
We need to start at number 73.
We need to count (or jump) back 5 ones.
We end up at number 68.
This gives us: 73 − 5 = 68
Example 4)
Use the number line to find the missing number: 8 − ___ = 6.
We need to start at number 8.
We need to count (or jump) back by ones until we get to number 6.
We needed to count back (or jump back) 2 ones.
This gives us: 8 − 2 = 6
Example 5)
Use the number line to find the missing number: 54 − ___ = 47.
Our first step is to start at number 54 and complete the number line back to 44 (we could stop counting back when we get to 47 if we wanted to).
We need to count (or jump) back by ones until we get to number 47.
We needed to count back (or jump back) 7 ones.
This gives us: 54 − 7 = 47
Subtracting on a Number Line Worksheets
Our worksheets focus on subtracting within 10, subtracting within 20 and subtracting within 100.
The sheets get gradually harder as you progress through them with less support and more challenging questions.
Subtracting on a Number Line within 10 Worksheets
These sheets involve using a number line to subtract within 10.
Sheets 1 to 3 involve working out the missing answer (or difference) to a range of subtraction facts.
Sheets 4 involves finding the missing subtrahend when the 'answer' or difference is known and has two versions:
- Sheet 4A has a completed number line for extra support
- Sheet 4B has an empty number line for more independent learners.
Subtracting on a Number Line within 20 Worksheets
These sheets involve using a number line to subtract within 20.
Sheets 1 to 3 involve working out the missing answer (or difference) to a range of subtraction facts.
Sheets 4 involves finding the missing subtrahend when the 'answer' or difference is known and has two versions:
- Sheet 4A has a completed number line for extra support
- Sheet 4B has an empty number line for more independent learners.
Subtracting on a Number Line within 100 Worksheets
The sheets in this section involve subtracting a single digit from a two-digit number together within 100.
Sheets A and B are identical, but sheet A offers more support with a pre-filled number line; sheet B has an empty number line.
Sheet 4 is a trickier sheet which involves using a number line to find the missing subtrahend when the first number and the difference are known.
More Recommended Math Worksheets
Take a look at some more of our worksheets similar to these.
Adding on a Number Line
These sheets are similar to those on this page but involve adding numbers using a number line for support.
They are mainly aimed at first and second graders.
Use these sheets to help you add numbers within 10, 20 or 100.
Looking for some number line printables?
We have some more printable number lines and number line worksheets that have a similar format to the sheets below.
First Grade Counting Worksheets
Here you will find a range of Counting Worksheets for 1st graders.
These sheets will help your child learn their place value, reading, writing and ordering numbers up to 100.
There are also some money worksheets involving counting in dimes and pennies to support place value learning.
Using these sheets will help your child to:
- learn to count in tens and ones;
- learn to read and write numbers to 100.
More Subtraction Worksheets
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