Difference Word Problems Within 20
Teach a difference by matching two collections.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Line up equal-sized counters in pairs and count the unmatched counters. Connect them to subtraction.
Ask your student
Which counters show how many more one group has?
If your student needs help
If the student gives the larger total, cover the matched pairs and discuss what remains unmatched.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Ask what the difference counts. Have the child add it to the smaller amount to check the larger amount, then describe the comparison in both directions.
Word problemsAddition and Subtraction Word Problems Within 20
Read joining and taking-away stories, choose an equation, and answer in context.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsMore and Fewer Comparison Word Problems
Identify the known amount and compare two people’s collections.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsDifference Word Problems — Within 100 or 1,000
Compare aligned bars and find the difference. Choose the default range within 100 or compare three-digit amounts within 1,000.
4 problems · Answer key included
More about subtraction · Grade 1 worksheets
Grade 1 selected skill connection: 1.OA.A.1 (selected difference-unknown comparisons). See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.