Balancing Difference Practice Worksheet
1st Grade Math • Unit 3: Balancing Expressions
Balancing the Difference
Name:
Date:
Directions: 1. Solve each side. 2. Write the difference in the square box. 3. If both differences are the SAME, write = in the balance circle!
Worked Example Both sides equal 3 • The scale is BALANCED!
5 − 2
● ● ● ✕ ✕
Diff: 3
=
6 − 3
● ● ● ✕ ✕ ✕
Diff: 3
Problem 1
9 − 4
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
012345678910
Difference:
Write = if equal
10 − 5
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
012345678910
Difference:
Problem 2
12 − 6
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
024681012
Difference:
Write = if equal
8 − 3
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
012345678910
Difference:
Problem 3
10 − 6
Cross out 6 counters:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Difference:
Write = if equal
12 − 8
Cross out 8 counters:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Difference:
Problem 4
7 − 5
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Write = if equal
11 − 8
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Page 1 of 3 • Turn page for Problems 5–8 →
Part 2
Independent Practice: Balancing Subtraction
Write = ONLY if both sides are equal!
Find the difference for each side. Draw counters or count back. Then test: Do they balance?
Problem 5
6 − 5
Cross out 5 counters:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Difference:
Write = if equal
7 − 5
Cross out 5 counters:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Difference:
Problem 6
8 − 4
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Write = if equal
12 − 8
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Problem 7
11 − 4
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
024681012
Difference:
Write = if equal
10 − 3
Hop back on the number line or draw counters:
024681012
Difference:
Problem 8
6 − 3
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Write = if equal
9 − 6
Show your work (draw cubes or cross out):
Difference:
Page 2 of 3 • Turn page for the Mathematician Writing Task →
Part 3 • Mathematical Discourse & Writing
Mathematician Evaluative Task
Name:
Date:
The Fruit Market Mystery
Ms. Locke goes shopping at the fruit store. She picks up 7 apples, but then puts 3 back (7 − 3). Next, she picks up 8 oranges, but puts 4 back (8 − 4).
Ms. Locke says: "The number of apples and oranges I bought are equal! 7 − 3 = 8 − 4."
Is Ms. Locke correct or incorrect? Bubble your choice:
Correct Incorrect
🍎 Apples: 7 − 3 Draw counters or cubes
Apples left:
🍊 Oranges: 8 − 4 Draw counters or cubes
Oranges left:
Written Explanation: State Your Claim & Reason Primary Handwriting Lines
Word Bank: correct incorrect equal same difference 4
After solving, I learned that Ms. Locke is .
I know because
Teacher Check: Correct Differences (both = 4) Explained Thinking Verbally Written Explanation Complete
Page 3 of 3
