3rd Grade Subtraction Patterns Worksheet: Over Increasing Place Values

Each line keeps the same basic fact and adds a zero to every number. 12 − 9 = 3 becomes 120 − 90 = 30, then 1,200 − 900 = 300.

The digits do not change, only their place. That is place value at work.

The last lines reach 1,200,000, far beyond third grade. Let your child count the zeros rather than read the number aloud.

Before filling a pattern, ask, "Which small fact is hiding here?" In e, it is 7 − 2 = 5.

Then look at where the blank is. In 500 − 400 = ___, it is the answer. In ___ − 4,000 = 3,000, it is the first number, so your child adds: 3,000 + 4,000.

Count the zeros on both sides of the = sign. They must match.

Check all four patterns with the key.

Use money: 70 cents minus 40 cents, then 7 dollars minus 4 dollars, then 70 dollars minus 40. Your child will see the same 3 each time.

Notice the pattern out loud together: "You used one fact to solve six problems."