40 Integer Subtraction Problems Worksheet with Speed Practice

Focused drill sheet for Class 6 students with 40 integer subtraction problems covering positive minus positive, positive minus negative, negative minus positive, and negative minus negative. Includes rules, examples, and timed practice goals.

Integer Subtraction Rules - Master These!

Rule 1: Positive - Positive

Example: 8 - 5 = 3

Example: 3 - 7 = -4

Just subtract normally. If result is negative, write the negative sign.

Rule 2: Positive - Negative

Example: 8 - (-5) = 8 + 5 = 13

Example: 3 - (-7) = 3 + 7 = 10

Two negatives make a positive! Change subtraction to addition.

Rule 3: Negative - Positive

Example: -8 - 5 = -8 + (-5) = -13

Example: -3 - 7 = -3 + (-7) = -10

Add the negative number. Going more negative!

Rule 4: Negative - Negative

Example: -8 - (-5) = -8 + 5 = -3

Example: -3 - (-7) = -3 + 7 = 4

Change to addition, then add the positive number.

Golden Rule: a - b = a + (-b)

Subtracting any number is the same as adding its opposite!

Examples:

7 - 3 = 7 + (-3) = 4

7 - (-3) = 7 + 3 = 10

-7 - 3 = -7 + (-3) = -10

-7 - (-3) = -7 + 3 = -4

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: 7 - (-3)

Step 1: Identify the rule - Positive minus Negative

Step 2: Change subtraction to addition: 7 - (-3) = 7 + 3

Step 3: Add: 7 + 3 = 10

Answer: 10

Example 2: -15 - 8

Step 1: Identify the rule - Negative minus Positive

Step 2: Change to addition of negative: -15 - 8 = -15 + (-8)

Step 3: Add the negatives: -15 + (-8) = -23

Answer: -23

Example 3: -12 - (-20)

Step 1: Identify the rule - Negative minus Negative

Step 2: Change to addition: -12 - (-20) = -12 + 20

Step 3: Start at -12, move 20 steps right: -12 + 20 = 8

Answer: 8

Sample Practice Problems

Section A (Warm-Up): 12 - 7, 15 - 9, 5 - 8, 3 - 10, 0 - 6

Section B (Practice): 7 - (-3), 10 - (-5), -8 - 4, -12 - 7, -5 - (-5), 0 - (-7)

Section C (Advanced): -25 - (-12), 30 - (-18), -40 - 25, 100 - (-50), -75 - 25, -88 - (-44)

Number Line Strategy

Remember:

Subtraction = Moving LEFT on the number line

But subtracting a negative = Moving RIGHT!

Scoring Guide

36-40 marks: Integer Master - Perfect or near-perfect!

31-35 marks: Integer Expert - Excellent work!

26-30 marks: Integer Pro - Very good!

21-25 marks: Developing - Keep practicing!

Below 21 marks: Needs Practice - Review the rules and try again!

Speed Challenge Goals

Beginner: Complete in 45 minutes with 80%+ accuracy

Intermediate: Complete in 30 minutes with 85%+ accuracy

Advanced: Complete in 20 minutes with 90%+ accuracy

Master Level: Complete in 15 minutes with 95%+ accuracy

Tips to Master Integer Subtraction

Practice Daily: Do 10-15 problems every day to build automatic recall

Use the "Add the Opposite" Rule: Always convert subtraction to addition - it makes everything easier!

Visualize a Number Line: Mentally see yourself moving left or right on the number line

Check Your Signs: Before calculating, identify if you're dealing with -(-)​, -(+), (-)-(+), or (+)-(+)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to change the sign when subtracting negatives

Mixing up "minus a negative" with "minus a positive"

Rushing - accuracy first, then speed

Forgetting that subtracting is the same as adding the opposite