Subtract Integers With Counters and Zero Pairs
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Subtract Integers With Counters and Zero Pairs" is written for 7th Grade (Ages 12-13), and it covers Common Core 7.NS.A.1.C. A 6th grader who is already steady on integers can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
7th grade math worksheet: draw counters for the first number and add zero pairs to subtract, as in 1 minus 3 and (-2) minus (-5). Answer key included. Part of our subtraction of integers collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Begin with the number line and counter sheets, then move to Rewrite Subtraction as Adding the Opposite. Use Integer Subtraction Rules and Sign Checks to review the rule, and Fix the Mistake in Integer Subtraction as an error check.
What students will practice
- Students will draw the first number with + and minus circles.
- Students will add zero pairs until the second number can be crossed out.
- Students will record the number of pairs added and the value of the difference.
Add Integers on a Number Line, Mixed Signs
Write the Sum Shown by Number Line Arrows
Add Integers by Drawing Two-Color Counters
Model Integer Sums by Canceling Zero Pairs
Missing Integers in Two-Addend Equations
Missing Integers in Three-Addend Equations
Missing Integers on Both Sides of a Sum
Choose the Greater Integer Sum
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
The Number System · 7th Grade
Standard: Understand subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse, p - q = p + (-q). Show that the distance between two rational numbers on the number line is the absolute value of their difference, and apply this principle in real-world contexts.
View all 7.NS.A.1.C worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
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FAQ
How do I use this subtraction of integers worksheet?
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Begin with the number line and counter sheets, then move to Rewrite Subtraction as Adding the Opposite. Use Integer Subtraction Rules and Sign Checks to review the rule, and Fix the Mistake in Integer Subtraction as an error check.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Draw counters for the first number and add zero pairs to subtract, as in 1 minus 3 and (-2) minus (-5). The directions on the page read: Draw the first number with + and − circles. Add zero pairs (one + and one −) until you can cross out the second number. Write the pairs added and the value. An answer key is included.
Can I use this subtraction of integers worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade integers, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
How do you subtract a negative integer?
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Rewrite the subtraction as adding the opposite, so subtracting a negative integer becomes adding a positive one. For example, 5 minus negative 8 is 5 + 8 = 13. Subtract Negative Integers on a Number Line shows the hop for each problem.
What is a minuend and a subtrahend?
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The minuend is the first number in a subtraction, the number you subtract from. The subtrahend is the number being taken away. Missing Minuends in Integer Subtraction and Missing Subtrahends in Integer Subtraction practice each term.
How do you find the distance between two points on a number line?
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Subtract one point from the other and take the absolute value, written as the absolute value of a minus b. Distance on a Number Line as a Difference has students write the expression with the left point first and then find the distance in units.
Can subtracting give a bigger number?
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Yes. Subtracting a negative integer gives a greater value, because it is the same as adding a positive. Rewrite Subtraction as Adding the Opposite gives many problems that show this.
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Add Integers on a Number Line, Mixed Signs
Write the Sum Shown by Number Line Arrows
Add Integers by Drawing Two-Color Counters
Model Integer Sums by Canceling Zero Pairs
Missing Integers in Two-Addend Equations
Missing Integers in Three-Addend Equations
Missing Integers on Both Sides of a Sum
Choose the Greater Integer Sum