Lock Combinations With Integer Subtraction
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Lock Combinations With Integer Subtraction" 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 math puzzles can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.


7th grade math worksheet: find three integer differences for each lock and use two clues to put them in the right order. Answer key included. Part of our code breakers math puzzles collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Use these as a change from drill after teaching integer subtraction. A wrong difference gives a wrong letter, so students notice and fix errors.
What students will practice
- Students will find three differences of integers for each lock.
- Students will use clues about sign, size and absolute value to order the numbers.
- Students will write the combination on each lock.
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 code breakers worksheet?
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Use these as a change from drill after teaching integer subtraction. A wrong difference gives a wrong letter, so students notice and fix errors.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Find three integer differences for each lock and use two clues to put them in the right order. The directions on the page read: Find the three differences for each lock. They are the lock's numbers, but out of order. Use the two clues to put them in order, and write the combination on the lock. An answer key is included.
Can I use this code breakers worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade math puzzles, 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.
What is a math code breaker?
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A puzzle where each answer points to a letter or number, and the answers together reveal a message or code.
What integer skills do these cover?
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Subtracting integers on three pages, integer word problems on one and a letter sudoku with mixed operations on one.
Do they have answer keys?
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Yes, all 5 do.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 7th Grade |
| Subject | Math |
| Topic | Math Puzzles |
| Standard | 7.NS.A.1.C |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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