Subtract integers word problem worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve each problem one by one and explain the reasoning.

---

1. FOOTBALL

Problem: A team gained 5 yards on their first play of the game. Then they lost 6 yards. Find the total change in yardage.

Solution:
- Gained 5 yards → +5
- Lost 6 yards → −6
- Total change = 5 + (−6) = −1 yard

✔ Answer: The total change in yardage is −1 yard (a net loss of 1 yard).

---

2. CHECKING

Problem: Your checking account is overdrawn by $50. You write a check for $20. What is the balance in your account?

Solution:
- Overdrawn by $50 means the balance is −$50
- Writing a check for $20 means you subtract another $20:
−50 − 20 = −$70

✔ Answer: The new balance is −$70 (still overdrawn by $70).

---

3. TEMPERATURE

Problem: The average temperature in Calgary, Canada, is 22°C in July and −11°C in January. Find the range of the highest and lowest temperatures.

Solution:
- Range = Highest temperature − Lowest temperature
= 22°C − (−11°C) = 22 + 11 = 33°C

✔ Answer: The temperature range is 33°C.

---

4. ROLLER COASTER

Problem: A roller coaster begins at 90 feet above ground level. Then it descends 105 feet. Find the height of the coaster after the first descent.

Solution:
- Start: 90 feet
- Descend 105 feet → subtract 105
90 − 105 = −15 feet

Negative height means it’s 15 feet below ground level.

✔ Answer: The height is −15 feet (15 feet below ground).

---

5. SAVINGS

Problem: Sonia has $235 in her savings account. She withdraws $45. What is left in her savings account?

Solution:
- Initial amount: $235
- Withdraw $45 → subtract 45
235 − 45 = $190

✔ Answer: $190 is left in her savings account.

---

6. BEACH

Problem: Wai and Kuri were digging in the sand at the beach. Wai dug a hole that was 15 inches below the surface and Kuri dug a hole that was 9 inches below the surface. Find the difference in the depths of their holes.

Solution:
- Wai’s depth: −15 inches (below surface)
- Kuri’s depth: −9 inches
- Difference = |−15| − |−9| = 15 − 9 = 6 inches

Alternatively:
Difference = −9 − (−15) = −9 + 15 = 6 inches

✔ Answer: The difference in depth is 6 inches.

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. −1 yard
2. −$70
3. 33°C
4. −15 feet
5. $190
6. 6 inches

Let me know if you'd like these explained in a simpler way or visualized!