Subtract positive and negative whole numbers

Answer Key - Grade 7 Math Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.

1. 1.

   Ari's robot starts at 3 on a number line, beeping happily. Subtracting (-4) is the same as adding 4, a move of 4 right. Where does the robot stop?

   7
2. 2.

   Bo's frog starts at -2 on a number line and looks very determined. Subtracting (-5) is the same as adding 5, a move of 5 right. Where does the frog land?

   3
3. 3.

   Kira's toy boat floats at 5 on a number line river. Subtracting (-7) is the same as adding 7, a move of 7 right. Where does the boat stop?

   12
5. 4.

   Milo rewrites a subtraction as an addition. The card says 5 - (-3) = 5 + ?. What number goes in place of the ?

   3
6. 5.

   Noah copies a puzzle from the math book. The card says (-6) - 2 = (-6) + ?. What number goes in place of the ?

   Use the picture in question 4.

   -2
7. 6.

   Pia fills in a star-shaped puzzle. The card says (-2) - (-8) = (-2) + ?. What number goes in place of the ?

   Use the picture in question 4.

   8
8. 7.

   Ren's robot sits at -3 on a number line. Its charging spot is at 5. How far is the robot from the charging spot?

   8
9. 8.

   Tala watches two snails on a number line, at 2 and 9. How far apart are the snails?

   7
10. 9.

    Ari spots a whale at -4 m and a bird at 6 m. (Above the water is positive.) How far apart are they?

    10
11. 10.

    Jun finds a puzzle at the back of the math book. What is (-4) - 7?

    -11