Subtract integers word problem worksheet - Free Printable

Here is the step-by-step solution and explanation for each of the 6 problems:

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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.*

- Explanation: Gaining yards is positive, losing yards is negative.
- So: +5 yards (gain) + (-6 yards) (loss) = 5 - 6 = -1 yard
- Answer: The total change in yardage is -1 yard (or a net loss of 1 yard).

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2. CHECKING

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

- Explanation: Being overdrawn by $50 means your balance is -$50. Writing a check for $20 subtracts another $20.
- So: -$50 - $20 = -$70
- Answer: The balance in your account is -$70.

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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.*

- Explanation: Range = Highest value – Lowest value.
- Highest = 22°C, Lowest = –11°C
- Range = 22 – (–11) = 22 + 11 = 33°C
- Answer: The range is 33°C.

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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.*

- Explanation: Starting at +90 feet, descending 105 feet means subtracting 105.
- So: 90 - 105 = -15 feet
- Negative height means it’s 15 feet below ground level.
- Answer: The height after the descent is -15 feet (or 15 feet below ground level).

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5. SAVINGS

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

- Explanation: Withdrawal means subtracting money from the account.
- So: $235 - $45 = $190
- Answer: Sonia has $190 left in her savings account.

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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.*

- Explanation: “Below the surface” can be represented as negative numbers, but since we’re asked for the *difference* in depth (a distance), we take the absolute difference.
- Depth of Wai’s hole: 15 inches
- Depth of Kuri’s hole: 9 inches
- Difference = |15 - 9| = 6 inches
- Answer: The difference in the depths of their holes is 6 inches.

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✔ Final Answers Summary:

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 with number lines or visual models!