Instructions
Welcome to the Math Explorer Challenge! This worksheet will help you practice addition and subtraction. Read the instructions carefully for each section and show your work when solving the challenge problems.
- Complete the easy warm-up problems in Section 1 using mental math.
- Calculate the answers for the vertical problems in Section 2, remembering to use regrouping (carrying/borrowing) when necessary.
- Read the real-world stories in Section 3 and write the correct math equation for each answer.
- Complete the Fact Families chart in Section 4.
Section 1: The Number Line Hop (Mental Math)
Answer these quickly by adding or subtracting 10, 1, or small numbers. Write the final answer in the box.
- 23 + 10 =
[ ]
- 57 - 1 =
[ ]
- 15 + 5 =
[ ]
- 80 - 10 =
[ ]
- 42 + 9 =
[ ]
Section 2: Calculation Station (Standard Practice)
Solve the following problems. Stack them vertically on a separate paper if you need space for regrouping.
| Addition Problems | Subtraction Problems |
|---|---|
| 1. 14 + 5 = | 6. 38 - 6 = |
| 2. 35 + 24 = | 7. 67 - 45 = |
| 3. 58 + 17 = (Regrouping needed) | 8. 42 - 15 = (Regrouping needed) |
| 4. 70 + 29 = | 9. 95 - 7 = |
| 5. 61 + 39 = (Regrouping needed) | 10. 50 - 28 = (Regrouping needed) |
Section 3: Real-World Story Problems
Read the scenario and solve the problem. Write the math equation you used.
Example: Sarah had 10 stickers and her friend gave her 5 more. How many stickers does Sarah have now? Equation: 10 + 5 = 15. Answer: 15 stickers
- The Toy Box: Mark has 19 toy cars. He gives 5 cars to his little brother. How many toy cars does Mark have left?
Equation:
Answer:
- The Puppy Treats: Mrs. Green bought a bag of 36 dog treats. She used 12 treats this week. How many treats are left in the bag?
Equation:
Answer:
- The Birthday Money: Amelia earned $25 for doing chores and her grandma gave her $30 for her birthday. How much money does Amelia have in total?
Equation:
Answer:
- The Crayon Count: The classroom has 43 red crayons and 39 blue crayons. How many crayons are there altogether?
Equation:
Answer:
Section 4: The Fact Family Detective
Fact families show how addition and subtraction are related. Fill in the missing numbers or equations for each family.
| Addition Problem | Subtraction Problem 1 | Subtraction Problem 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Example: 4 + 7 = 11 | 11 - 4 = 7 | 11 - 7 = 4 |
| 1. 12 + 7 = 19 | ||
| 2. | 25 - 10 = 15 | |
| 3. 8 + 6 = 14 | ||
| 4. 20 + 30 = 50 | ||
| 5. 15 + 5 = 20 |
Challenge Corner (Advanced Thinking)
C1. Three-Digit Jump: Solve this problem: 135 + 58 = ?
Answer:
C2. Multi-Step Story: Leo has 30 baseball cards. He traded 8 cards for a new rare card, and then his dad bought him 15 more cards. How many cards does Leo have now?
Show your work:
Final Answer:
Answer Key
Section 1: The Number Line Hop
- 33
- 56
- 20
- 70
- 51
Section 2: Calculation Station
| Addition Problems | Subtraction Problems |
|---|---|
| 1. 19 | 6. 32 |
| 2. 59 | 7. 22 |
| 3. 75 | 8. 27 |
| 4. 99 | 9. 88 |
| 5. 100 | 10. 22 |
Section 3: Real-World Story Problems
- Equation: 19 - 5 = 14. Answer: 14 toy cars
- Equation: 36 - 12 = 24. Answer: 24 treats
- Equation: 25 + 30 = 55. Answer: $55
- Equation: 43 + 39 = 82. Answer: 82 crayons
Section 4: The Fact Family Detective
| Addition Problem | Subtraction Problem 1 | Subtraction Problem 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 12 + 7 = 19 | 19 - 12 = 7 | 19 - 7 = 12 |
| 2. 10 + 15 = 25 | 25 - 10 = 15 | 25 - 15 = 10 |
| 3. 8 + 6 = 14 | 14 - 8 = 6 | 14 - 6 = 8 |
| 4. 20 + 30 = 50 | 50 - 20 = 30 | 50 - 30 = 20 |
| 5. 15 + 5 = 20 | 20 - 15 = 5 | 20 - 5 = 15 |
Challenge Corner
C1. Three-Digit Jump: 193
C2. Multi-Step Story: Work: 30 - 8 = 22. Then, 22 + 15 = 37. Final Answer: 37 cards