Reinforce Your Subtracting 3-Digit Numbers Lesson

Through this activity, students will show they can subtract within 1000 using strategies to find the difference between 3-digit numbers. 

Students will review each subtraction problem task card and solve for the difference, writing their answer in the corresponding space on the provided recording sheet. This set of task cards is designed to review different strategies used for subtraction, including.

• Using a place value chart.
• Using MAB blocks
• Using a bar model
• Using a number line

The questions included in this set are higher-order thinking questions. They require students to think, write, and explain their answers to different questions. It’s the perfect way to build up that maths vocabulary!

An answer key is included with this download so that students can self-check their recording sheets.  

More Uses For Our Subtracting 3-Digit Numbers Task Cards 

We created this resource for your maths centre as an independent practise activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways: 

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room numerically and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students an appropriate amount of time to solve for the difference and record their answers in the corresponding space on their sheet. The students will rotate to the next card on your cue (for example, say, “SCOOT”). Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

☀️ Warm-Up/Exit Activity

Before or after your maths lesson, ask students to select a task card from the deck. Have them write their card number (1-18) and their name in the top corner of a sticky note, and find the difference on their card. Use our simple sticky note printing template to make this assessment a snap!   

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks: punch a hole in each corner to place them on a binder ring. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker and then erase and reuse them.

Because this activity includes an answer sheet, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file first. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.