Addition and Subtraction Worksheets

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:28 PM IST

Addition and subtraction are some of the basic arithmetic operators that we use to add or subtract numbers. The concepts of addition and subtraction are not new but very old which is used from ancient times. It forms the very basis of higher mathematics and calculations. They are most commonly used in daily life like paying bills, shopping, banking, etc.

Addition and Subtraction Worksheets

This article is about the concept of addition and subtraction. Let us look in detail about what is addition and subtraction, fraction addition and subtraction, decimal addition and subtraction, integers addition and subtraction, algebraic expressions addition and subtraction, and addition and subtraction worksheets.

What is Addition and Subtraction?

Addition is done by summing up or putting things together. On the other hand, subtraction is done by taking away or removing things.

The addition formula is stated as: Addend + Addend = Sum. Here 2 numbers are added to give one total or sum.

The subtraction formula is stated as Minuend - Subtrahend = Difference. Here, 2 numbers are subtracted to give one difference.

Two Digit Addition and Subtraction

2-digit addition and subtraction can be performed with and without regrouping. Regrouping takes place when the sum of a column value is greater than 9. In this case, ones digit is written under that particular column and the extra digit (tens digit) is carried over to the next column and added along with the addends of that particular column.

For example: Add the numbers 10 + 20

Solution:

Numbers with 2-digits have place value as ones and tens starting from the right side. While adding 2 digits together, we arrange the numbers column-wise. In the ones column we have 0 + 0 = 0 and in the tens column we have 1 + 2 = 3. Hence, 10 + 20 = 30.

If in case we add 77+33, then the addition in the one column will be 10. Here, we will put the number 0 in the one's place and add the number 1 to the tens place column. Now, adding up the numbers in tens place, 7+3+1=11. Now, since there is no other columns in the left, put 11 under the tens place column.

Now, let us subtract 33 from 77 in the following way.

The place value arrangement remains similar as discussed in the addition operation. Thus in the ones column, we have 7 - 3 = 4 and the same in the tens column. Hence, 77 - 33 = 44.

For more such examples on addition and subtraction, refer to class 4 addition and subtraction worksheet, class 5 addition and subtraction worksheet

Integer Addition and Subtraction

Integers are numbers having both positive and negative numbers along with zero. Integer addition and subtraction is a bit different form normal addition and subtraction due to negative numbers.

The rules of integer addition and subtraction are,

1. Same sign: add/subtract and put the same sign. Eg. 3+9 = 12, -4-8 =-12, etc.

2. Different sign: subtract and put the greater number sign Eg. -18+22 = 4, -42+25 = -17.

For more such examples on addition and subtraction of integers, refer to integers addition and subtraction worksheet

Decimal Addition and Subtraction

Decimal addition and subtraction is the same as normal addition with some extra rules. To add or subtract decimals, make the numbers to be added or subtracted as equal number of digits after the decimal. If it is not as equal number of digits, add zero to the number with less digits to make it zero. Then, arrange the numbers correctly straight to the decimal points. Now, the numbers can be added and subtracted as normal.

For example, The addition of 12.40 and 7.51 is 19.91 and the subtraction of 12.40 and 7.51 is 4.89.

For more such examples on addition and subtraction of decimal numbers, refer decimal addition and subtraction worksheet

Fraction Addition and Subtraction

Fractions are defined as a number in the form $\frac{p}{q}$. For the fractions with same denominators, addition and subtraction can be done by just adding the numerators.

For example: We add and subtract the fractions: $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{2}{5}$.
Since the denominators are same, hence we can add the numerators directly.

$
\frac{4}{6}+\frac{3}{6}=\frac{4+3}{6}=\frac{7}{6}
$

Similarly, $
\frac{4}{6}-\frac{3}{6}=\frac{4-3}{6}=\frac{!}{6}
$

In case the denominators are different, then we need to make the denominators same by taking LCM to perform addition or subtraction.

For example: Add $\frac{9}{2}+4$
Here, $\frac{9}{2}$ is a fraction and $4$ is a whole number.
We can write $4$ as $\frac{4}{1}$.
Now making the denominators same, we get;
$\frac{9}{26}$ and $\frac{4}{1} \times(\frac{2}{2})=\frac{8}{2}$
Add $\frac{9}{2}$ and $\frac{8}{2}$

$
\frac{9}{2}+\frac{8}{2}=\frac{17}{2}
$

Similarly, $
\frac{9}{2}-\frac{8}{2}=\frac{1}{2}
$

Hence, the sum of $\frac{9}{2}$ and $4$ is $\frac{17}{2}$ and the difference between $\frac{9}{2}$ and $4$ is $\frac{1}{2}$

For more such examples on addition and subtraction of fractions or rational numbers, refer fractions addition and subtraction worksheet, rational number addition and subtraction worksheet or fraction addition and subtraction worksheet pdf.

Algebraic Expressions Addition and Subtraction

Algebraic expression is an expression that is made up of combining variables and constants, along with basic algebraic elementary operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. Tha addition or subtraction of the algebraic expressions can be done by combining the like terms (i.e) the terms with same variable and then performing the operations.

For example, Let us look into the addition and subtraction of $2x+5y$ and 5x+2y$.

The addition of $2x+5y$ and 5x+2y$ is $(2x+5y) + (5x+2y) = (2x+5x)+(5y+2y) = 7x+7y$

Similarly, the subtraction of $2x+5y$ and 5x+2y$ is $(2x+5y) - (5x+2y) = 2x+5y - 5x-2y =(2x-5x)+(5y-2y) = -3x+3y$

For more such examples on addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions, refer algebraic expressions addition and subtraction worksheet

Solved Examples based on addition and subtraction

Example 1: Maya had 8 toffees and she gave 4 to her cousin. How many toffees is she left with ?

Solution: Maya is left with 8-4=4 toffees now.

Example 2: Sumit purchased 10 oranges, 50 bananas. How many total fruits did he purchased?

Solution: He purchased a total of 10+50=60 fruits.

Example 3: Read each statement carefully and check whether you need to add or subtract.

Shilpa’s friends had a book reading contest. Among the boys, Ajay read 8 books, Aman read 9, Mand read 1 and Andy read 10 books. Among the girls, Ash read 41 books, Nancy read 2, Shama read 4 and Mansi read 3.

(a) How many books did all the boys read?

(b) How many books did all the girls read?

(c) Who read more books, the girls or the boys?

(d) How many more books did Aman read than Ajay?

(e) How many more books did Ash read than Nancy?

Solution: (a) All the boys read 8+9+1+10 = 28 books.

(b) All the girls read 41+2+4+4 = 51 books.

(d) Aman read 9-1 = 8 books more than Ajay.

(e) Ash read 41-2 = 39 books more than Nancy.

Example 4: There were 240 roses and 50 marigold in a farmhouse. How many flowers were there in total in the farm house?

Solution: In total there were 240+50 = 290 flowers in farmhouse.

Example 5: Out of 200 watermelons, Raman could sell 30 in a day. How many pieces of watermelon were left with him?

Solution: Pieces of watermelon left with him = 200-30 = 170 pieces.

List of Topics Related to Addition and Subtraction Worksheet

Addition	Additive Inverse
Addition of Fractions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Addition and Subtraction?

Addition is an arithmetic operation that is used to find the sum or total of numbers.For example, $5+7=12$ which means when 5 is added to 7 , it gives 12 as the sum. Subtraction is an arithmetic operation that is used to find the difference of numbers. For example, $10-7=3$ which means when 7 is subtracted from 10 , it gives 3 as the difference.

2. Why are Addition and Subtraction Important?

Addition and subtraction play an important role in our daily life activities like billing, buying fruits, traveling, speed of a vehicle, etc.

3. What is Multiplication, Division , Addition and Subtraction called?

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are called arithmetic operators in Mathematics.

4. What are Addition and Subtraction Facts?

When we add or subtract 0 to any number, it results in the number itself. For example, 8 $+0=8$.
When we add 1 to any number, we get its successor while subtracting 1 from any number gives its predecessor.

5. What is $8+1$ ?

The addition of 8 and 1 gives 9 (i.e) $8+1=9$

6. What is the difference between addition and subtraction?

Addition is the process of combining two or more numbers to get a larger number (the sum), while subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another to find the difference. Addition increases quantity, while subtraction decreases it.

7. Why do we sometimes need to "borrow" or "regroup" when subtracting?

We borrow or regroup when the digit in the top number is smaller than the digit below it. This process involves taking a value from the next column to the left, allowing us to perform the subtraction. It's a way of breaking down larger units into smaller ones to make the calculation possible.

8. How can we use addition to check subtraction?

To check subtraction, we can add the difference (result) to the number we subtracted and see if we get back the original number. For example, if 8 - 5 = 3, we can check by doing 3 + 5, which should equal 8.

9. What's the relationship between addition and subtraction?

Addition and subtraction are inverse operations, meaning they undo each other. If you add a number and then subtract the same number, you return to the original value. This relationship is key to understanding how these operations work together.

10. Why do we start adding or subtracting from the rightmost column?

We start from the right because this column represents the smallest place value (usually ones). Working from right to left allows us to carry over or borrow as needed, ensuring that each place value is handled correctly.

11. What is the importance of understanding the concept of "difference" in subtraction?

The "difference" in subtraction represents how much larger one number is than another. Understanding this concept helps in problem-solving and in relating subtraction to real-world situations, like comparing quantities or finding out how much more is needed.

12. How does understanding fact families help with addition and subtraction?

Fact families show the relationship between addition and subtraction using the same three numbers. For example, 7 + 3 = 10, 3 + 7 = 10, 10 - 7 = 3, and 10 - 3 = 7 are a fact family. Understanding these relationships helps in solving and checking problems.

13. What strategies can help when subtracting a larger number from a smaller one?

When subtracting a larger number from a smaller one, it's helpful to reverse the order of the numbers and then make the result negative. For example, instead of 5 - 8, think of it as -(8 - 5) = -3. This strategy introduces the concept of negative numbers.

14. How can we use decomposition to simplify subtraction?

Decomposition involves breaking down numbers into smaller parts to make subtraction easier. For example, 52 - 25 can be thought of as (50 + 2) - (20 + 5), which simplifies to (50 - 20) + (2 - 5) = 30 - 3 = 27.

15. What is the role of zero as a placeholder in addition and subtraction?

Zero serves as a placeholder in our number system, holding a position when there's no value in a particular place. In addition and subtraction, it's crucial for maintaining correct place values, especially when working with larger numbers or decimals.

16. How does understanding place value help with addition and subtraction?

Understanding place value is crucial for addition and subtraction because it helps us align numbers correctly and understand which digits to operate on. It allows us to work with each place (ones, tens, hundreds) separately, making calculations more manageable and logical.

17. What is the commutative property of addition, and why doesn't it work for subtraction?

The commutative property of addition states that changing the order of addends doesn't change the sum (e.g., 3 + 4 = 4 + 3). This doesn't work for subtraction because the order matters – changing it alters the result (e.g., 7 - 3 ≠ 3 - 7).

18. How do negative numbers work in addition and subtraction?

With negative numbers, addition can decrease a value and subtraction can increase it. For example, 5 + (-3) = 2 (decreasing), and 5 - (-3) = 8 (increasing). Understanding the number line helps visualize these operations with negative numbers.

19. What is the importance of zero in addition and subtraction?

Zero is crucial in addition and subtraction as it represents the absence of a value in a particular place. Adding zero doesn't change a number, and subtracting zero leaves the number unchanged. It's also essential for place value in larger numbers.

20. How can mental math strategies help with addition and subtraction?

Mental math strategies, like rounding numbers, breaking them into easier parts, or using known facts, can make calculations quicker and easier. For example, to add 199 + 56, it's often easier to think of it as 200 + 56 - 1.

21. How can we use addition and subtraction to solve simple algebraic equations?

In simple algebraic equations, we can use addition or subtraction to isolate the variable. For example, in x + 5 = 12, we can subtract 5 from both sides to solve for x. This introduces the concept of balancing equations and inverse operations.

22. What's the difference between regrouping in addition and borrowing in subtraction?

Regrouping in addition involves carrying over to the next place value when a sum exceeds 9 in any column. Borrowing in subtraction involves taking from the next higher place value when we can't subtract directly. Both processes involve moving value between place value columns.

23. How can we use a number line to understand addition and subtraction?

A number line visually represents addition as moving right and subtraction as moving left. It helps in understanding the concepts of increasing and decreasing values, as well as the relationship between positive and negative numbers in these operations.

24. What are some real-life applications of addition and subtraction?

Addition and subtraction are used daily in activities like managing money (balancing accounts, calculating change), cooking (adjusting recipe quantities), sports (keeping score), and time management (calculating durations).

25. How does estimation relate to addition and subtraction?

Estimation involves making a reasonable guess about the result of a calculation. It's useful for checking if answers are sensible and for mental math. For addition and subtraction, rounding numbers to easier values can help in quick estimations.

26. What is the associative property of addition and why is it important?

The associative property states that the grouping of addends doesn't affect the sum (e.g., (2+3)+4 = 2+(3+4)). This property is important because it allows flexibility in how we approach multi-number addition problems, often making calculations easier.

27. How do addition and subtraction relate to counting?

Addition can be thought of as counting forward, while subtraction is like counting backward. This connection helps in understanding these operations, especially for young learners or when working with small numbers.

28. What is the role of place value in multi-digit addition and subtraction?

Place value is crucial in multi-digit operations as it determines which digits are added or subtracted together. Aligning digits by place value (ones with ones, tens with tens, etc.) ensures accurate calculations and helps in understanding regrouping and borrowing.

29. How does the concept of "additive inverse" relate to addition and subtraction?

The additive inverse of a number is the number that, when added to it, gives zero. For example, 5 and -5 are additive inverses. This concept connects addition and subtraction, showing how subtracting a number is the same as adding its negative.

30. Why is it important to line up decimal points in addition and subtraction of decimals?

Lining up decimal points ensures that we're adding or subtracting values of the same place value. This alignment is crucial for accurate calculations with decimals, as it maintains the correct relationship between whole numbers and fractional parts.

31. How does understanding addition and subtraction help with money math?

Understanding addition and subtraction is essential for money math, including calculating total costs, making change, budgeting, and balancing accounts. It helps in both everyday transactions and more complex financial planning.

32. What are some common mistakes students make in addition and subtraction, and how can they be avoided?

Common mistakes include misaligning digits, forgetting to regroup or borrow, and errors in basic facts. These can be avoided by emphasizing place value understanding, practicing regrouping and borrowing, and mastering basic number facts through regular practice and conceptual understanding.

33. How can we use addition and subtraction to solve word problems?

To solve word problems, we need to identify whether the situation requires combining quantities (addition) or finding the difference (subtraction). Key words like "total," "sum," "more than," or "difference" can help, but understanding the context is most important.

34. What is the relationship between addition/subtraction and measurement?

Addition and subtraction are fundamental to measurement. They're used to combine or compare measurements, convert between units, and calculate differences in measurements. Understanding these operations is crucial for working with lengths, weights, volumes, and other measurable quantities.

35. How does understanding addition and subtraction contribute to developing number sense?

Addition and subtraction help develop number sense by encouraging flexible thinking about numbers. They help students understand number relationships, decomposition of numbers, and how numbers can be manipulated, all of which are crucial for overall mathematical understanding.

36. What strategies can be used for adding or subtracting numbers close to 100 or 1000?

For numbers close to 100 or 1000, it's often easier to adjust to the nearest hundred or thousand, perform the operation, and then compensate. For example, 98 + 45 can be thought of as (100 + 45) - 2 = 143. This strategy promotes mental math and number sense.

37. How does the concept of "equal addends" relate to multiplication?

Equal addends in addition (e.g., 4 + 4 + 4) form the basis for understanding multiplication (3 × 4). This connection helps students transition from addition to multiplication, seeing multiplication as repeated addition of equal groups.

38. What is the importance of understanding the concept of "sum" and "difference" in word problems?

Understanding "sum" (the result of addition) and "difference" (the result of subtraction) is crucial for interpreting word problems correctly. These terms help identify whether to add or subtract, guiding students in choosing the right operation to solve the problem.

39. How can we use addition and subtraction to compare quantities?

Addition and subtraction are used to compare quantities by finding the difference between them. This comparison can show how much more one quantity is than another or how much is needed to make quantities equal, which is essential in many real-world situations.

40. What is the role of addition and subtraction in understanding integers?

Addition and subtraction with integers extend these operations beyond positive numbers. They help in understanding number lines, absolute value, and the concept of opposite numbers. This foundation is crucial for higher-level math involving positive and negative numbers.

41. How does understanding addition and subtraction contribute to problem-solving skills?

Addition and subtraction are fundamental to problem-solving as they allow for manipulating quantities, finding differences, and combining or separating amounts. These skills are essential in breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and finding solutions step by step.

42. What is the connection between addition/subtraction and data analysis in mathematics?

In data analysis, addition is used to find totals and subtraction to find differences or ranges in data sets. These operations are crucial for calculating measures like mean, median, and range, which are fundamental in statistics and data interpretation.

43. How can we use addition and subtraction to understand and create patterns?

Addition and subtraction are often used to create and analyze number patterns. For example, counting by 2s (adding 2 each time) or finding the difference between consecutive terms in a sequence. Understanding these patterns helps develop algebraic thinking.

44. What is the importance of understanding the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction?

The inverse relationship between addition and subtraction means that one operation undoes the other. This understanding is crucial for checking work, solving equations, and developing a deeper sense of how numbers relate to each other.

45. How does mastery of addition and subtraction support learning in other areas of mathematics?

Mastery of addition and subtraction forms the foundation for many other mathematical concepts. It's essential for understanding multiplication and division, fractions, algebra, and even more advanced topics like calculus. Strong addition and subtraction skills enable students to focus on new concepts without struggling with basic calculations.