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4th Grade Math: Subtraction Games
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  • Math (605)
  • ELA (44)

    • 4-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 20 games
    • Regroup and Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Regroup and Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Children must regroup and subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup to Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Number
      4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Regroup to Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Number

      Regroup to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers in this game.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Sharpen your math skills by subtracting 2-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Subtract 3-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS

    Large Numbers Subtraction Skills

    View all 8 games
    • Use Column Method to Subtract and Find the Difference
      5-Digit Subtraction
      Use Column Method to Subtract and Find the Difference

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by using the column method to subtract and find the difference.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fill in the Correct DIfference
      6-Digit Subtraction
      Fill in the Correct DIfference

      Fill in the correct dIfference to practice subtraction.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve and Fill in the Correct DIfference
      6-Digit Subtraction
      Solve and Fill in the Correct DIfference

      Kids must solve and fill in the correct difference to practice subtraction.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract and FInd the DIfference
      5-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract and FInd the DIfference

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by subtracting to find the difference.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS

    All Subtraction Skills

    • Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to fluently subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fill the Missing Number and Complete the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Fill the Missing Number and Complete the Subtraction Solution

      Kids must fill the missing number and complete the subtraction solution.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify and FIll the Missing Number in the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Identify and FIll the Missing Number in the Subtraction Solution

      Apply your math skills to identify and fIll the missing number in the subtraction solution.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by fluently subtracting 3-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Recognize the Missing Numbers in the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Recognize the Missing Numbers in the Subtraction Solution

      Kids must recognize the missing numbers in the subtraction solution to practice subtraction.

      4 5 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Practice the superpower of math by learning how to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by regrouping to subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Help your child take flight by learning how to fluently subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Missing Numbers in the Subtractions Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Identify the Missing Numbers in the Subtractions Solution

      Help kids practice subtraction by identifying the missing numbers in subtraction solutions.

      4 5 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to subtract two 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup to Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Number
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup to Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Number

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by learning to regroup to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit number.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup and Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup and Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by regrouping and subtracting 3-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Once to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Once to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Kids must regroup once to subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Once and Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Once and Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Dive deep into the world of math by regrouping once and subtracting two 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Twice to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Twice to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Kids must regroup twice to subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Twice and Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Twice and Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Dive deep into the world of subtraction by regrouping twice and subtracting two 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Once to Subtract Across Zeros
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Once to Subtract Across Zeros

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to regroup once to subtract across zeros.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Twice to Subtract Across Zeros
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Twice to Subtract Across Zeros

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to regroup twice to subtract across zeros.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup Thrice to Subtract Across Zeros
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup Thrice to Subtract Across Zeros

      Regroup thrice to subtract across zeros in this game.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS

    By 4th grade math, children have already learnt how to solve addition and subtraction problems through standard algorithms. In this grade focus is more on practice and extension of standard algorithm to larger numbers and application of these to solving real life problems. Once students are comfortable with standard algorithms for long numbers, shift their focus to solving subtraction worksheets.  Kids can use long subtraction calculator to verify their answers as it performs step by step subtraction on the entered digits. Doing a lot of activities and playing educational games will provide math practice and also help in retention of subtraction facts.

     

    Importance of Math Games

    Games play an important role in teaching mathematics irrespective of who you teach, be it preschool kids, school children, adults, teachers or parents. Incorporating games for teaching math and solving math problems is beneficial for:

     

     

    Subtraction Games and Activities for Kids

    Following is a list of the most effective adding and subtracting integers games and fun math activities. Most of the math activities and learning games can be adapted for use with both addition and subtraction (inverse form of addition). Also, the games can be adapted for use with two-digit numbers or larger numbers by changing the size of quantities involved. These games can be used for integers, decimals and mixed numbers too by changing the type of quantities involved

     

    Clixi Track Difference Game 

     

    No. of players: 2 players/teams

    There are many games for kids but this one combines fun and education. Use Clixi to build a long row of linked squares. You need an odd number of squares. Place one counter (to be shared by both players) on the middle square to begin. Each player, in turn, throws two dice and finds the difference between the two numbers obtained. This player can then move the counter that number of squares towards his/her end of the row of squares. Play then passes to the next player. The winner is the player who manages to reach his/her end of the row of squares first.

    Single digit subtraction game

     

    Race to One Hundred (For 2-6 players).

    No. of Players: 2-6 Players

    Each player starts with a 10x10 grid of squares e.g. squared paper. Take it in turns to throw 2 dice and find the difference between the numbers. On finding the difference that player is allowed to color in the corresponding number of squares on their grid. Any disputes can be settled using a subtraction calculator to check and solve math problems. The winner is the player who completes their grid first.

     

    Card Pairs

    No. of Players: 2-6 Players

    Make a pack of number cards containing 2 of every number between 0 and 20. Spread the cards out face down on the table. Players take it, in turn, to turn over two cards.

    Version 1: If the player can calculate the difference he/she can keep the pair of cards. The winner is the player with the most pairs when all the cards have been claimed. This version helps kids practice math questions, particularly of subtraction.

    Version 2: If the difference is the same as a previously agreed target number (between 0 and 19) then the player can keep the pair of cards. If the difference does not match the target number then they must be replaced face down. The winner is the player with the most pairs at the end. This version is useful for looking at the pairs of numbers which produce a particular difference in a structured way. Simply order the pairs of numbers at the end of the game to emphasize that (20 – 8) = (19 – 7) = (18 – 6) = (17 – 5) = 12

    Following are more pairs for the target number 12

    Number card game

     

     

    Count backNumber 2

     

     

    Multilink Cubes Game

    No. of Players: 2 Players

    Each player has a board (or a strip of 2cm squared paper) like this:

    Subtraction strip board

    Each player throws a dice and places that number of multilink cubes on his/her board. They look at the difference between the amounts. The player with the largest number takes the difference and ‘keeps it’. This process continues until one player has 10 multilink cubes which he/she has ‘kept’. That player is the winner.

     

    Domino Trains and Loops

    No. of Players: 2 or more

    Build a straight line of dominoes (a domino ‘train’) such that the difference between the adjacent halves of each pair of dominoes has a given difference of 0.

    Subtraction using Domino

    Try this activity with a different difference between adjacent dominoes e.g. a difference of 1, 2 or 3. Which is easiest/hardest and why?

    To make this slightly harder, build a domino loop (using a complete set of dominoes) so that the last domino to be placed has the correct difference between it and the first half of the initial domino. Both domino trains and domino loops can be made collaboratively (pool a complete set of dominoes and help each other complete the task) or competitively by sharing out the dominoes before starting and taking turns to place a domino at either end of the chain of dominoes. If playing the competitive version, a player misses his/her turn if he/she cannot put down a domino which gives the required difference between it and the previous domino.

     

    Cover the Number

    No. of Players: 2 or more

    Each player needs a strip of 6 squares (e.g. drawn on squared paper) numbered from 0 to 5. Players take it in turns to roll two dice marked 1 to 6 and find the difference between the two numbers rolled. This difference number is located on the player’s strip of squares and is then covered with a counter. The first player to cover all the numbers on their strip of squares wins.

     

    Sum or Difference?

    No. of Players: 2 or more

    A blank 5 × 5 grid of squares is drawn on squared paper and shared between 2 players. Each player, in turn, throws the two dice and calculates either the sum or the difference of the two numbers thrown. This sum or difference is entered anywhere on the grid of squares. A point is scored each time a line (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) totals 15. The game can be played co-operatively or competitively.

     

    Multilink breakages

    No. of player: 1 or more

    Start with a rod of ten multilink cubes. Break the rod into 2 smaller rods and find the difference between the number of cubes in each smaller rod. Investigate to find out what differences can be made in this way? What differences are possible if I start with a rod of 9 cubes instead?

    Subtraction using Cuisenaire rods

    Cuisenaire Staircases

    Cuisenaire rods is one of the best math aids for learning. Build a staircase from Cuisenaire rods so that the difference between adjacent steps is 1. then try with differences of 2 or 3 or 4 ... and so on. Find a way of recording which rods you used in each staircase.

     

     

     

    Progression from Counting to Subtraction

    The process of subtraction begins by refining counting techniques but then progresses to learning of key facts and making use of these for harder calculations:

    The child calculating 6 − 4 holds up six fingers, folds down four and counts the remaining upright fingers.

    To calculate 6 − 4 the child counts back four numbers, thus: ‘five, four, three, two’.

    The child working out 6 − 4 counts back from six to four, keeping a tally using the fingers of the numbers that are uttered: ‘five, four’ (holding up 2 fingers).

    To work out 6 -4 the child counts up from 4 to 6 (‘five, six’), keeping count of the spoken numbers using fingers. Children often find this confusing because of their mistaken perception that subtraction is solely about ‘taking away’.

    Rapid responses are offered to known facts e.g. 7 − 4 or 20 − 5.

    For example, the child knows 20 − 5 = 15 and uses this to calculate 20 − 4 = 16 or 21 − 5 = 6.

    For example, a child who knows that 34 − 10 = 24 uses this when working out 34 − 9 = 25.

    As in addition, using place value knowledge previously acquired (especially the idea of partitioning), it is then possible to begin the process of developing written algorithms (i.e. methods/routines) for tackling harder subtraction calculations involving binary subtraction and long subtraction

    Using informal ways like paper jottings, such as an ‘empty number line’, as an aid to the mental calculation of two-digit subtractions (using complementary addition or compensation methods).

    Using an expanded form of the standard decomposition algorithm to solve two digit subtraction with regrouping. The same can be extended for subtraction of numbers involving three digits or more.

    Using a standard algorithm to solve double digit subtraction with regrouping. The same can be extended to three digit subtraction with regrouping and so on. Using Dienes base 10 block model to illustrate the process

    Using standard subtraction algorithm to subtract numbers, integers, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals etc. The same standard algorithm is later extended to subtract time, matrices and vectors.

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