Three-Digit Twenties Differences

This subtraction worksheet helps students build fluency with three-digit subtraction by focusing on subtracting 20 from numbers within 1,000. Learners apply place-value reasoning to adjust the tens place efficiently, strengthening mental math skills and confidence with larger numbers.

Instructional Objectives

• Skill Focus (Grades 3-4): Subtract 20 from three-digit numbers accurately using place-value strategies.
• Conceptual Understanding (Grades 3-4): Recognize how subtracting two tens affects the tens place while leaving hundreds and ones unchanged.
• Algebraic Reasoning (Grade 4): Analyze number structure to perform efficient mental subtraction without unnecessary regrouping.
• Curriculum Alignment (Grades 3-4): Supports subtraction within 1,000, place-value reasoning, and multi-digit computation standards.

The horizontal format encourages students to think flexibly about number relationships rather than relying solely on vertical algorithms. Repeated exposure to this structure helps learners internalize patterns and prepares them for more complex subtraction that includes regrouping.

Learning Benefits

• Builds fluency and confidence with three-digit subtraction
• Strengthens mental math and place-value awareness
• Reinforces efficient strategies for subtracting multiples of ten
• Effective for independent practice, warm-ups, or targeted instruction

This printable worksheet provides focused practice that helps students master subtracting 20 from three-digit numbers while reinforcing strong foundational subtraction and place-value skills.

This worksheet is part of our Subtract by 10s and 20s Worksheets collection.