Subtract integers word problem worksheet - Free Printable

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

---

1. FOOTBALL

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

Solution:
- Gain of 5 yards → +5
- Loss of 6 yards → –6
- Total change = 5 + (–6) = –1 yard

✔ Answer: –1 yard
This means the team is 1 yard behind where they started.

---

2. CHECKING

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

Solution:
- Overdrawn by $50 → Balance = –$50
- Writing a check for $20 means you subtract another $20
- New balance = –50 – 20 = –$70

✔ Answer: –$70
You now owe $70.

---

3. TEMPERATURE

*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 in Calgary.*

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

✔ Answer: 33°C
The temperature range is 33 degrees Celsius.

---

4. ROLLER COASTER

*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:
- Starting height = 90 feet
- Descends 105 feet → subtract 105
- New height = 90 – 105 = –15 feet

A negative height means it’s 15 feet below ground level.

✔ Answer: –15 feet
The roller coaster is 15 feet underground.

---

5. SAVINGS

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

Solution:
- Initial amount = $235
- Withdrawal = $45
- Remaining = 235 – 45 = $190

✔ Answer: $190

---

6. BEACH

*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: 6 inches
Wai’s hole is 6 inches deeper than Kuri’s.

---

✔ 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 visually or with number lines!