Find the Missing Number to Complete the Sum

Calling all number detectives!

 

Look at this symbol:

 

 

We know it is the equals sign but what does it actually mean?

It means the same as and doesn’t just mean the answer.

 

Look at the following calculation:

19 = 7 + __

One of the numbers is missing.

So 19 is the same as 7 add something.

Now we have two options, we can count on from 7 to 19 or take away 7 from 19 to work out the missing number.

Following either of these options, we find that the missing number is 12.

19 = 7 + 12

 

 

Let’s try another:

17 = 20 -__

In this question, the answer of 17 is the same as 20 take away something.

What do we need to take away from 20 to reach 17?

So the missing number is 3.

17 = 20 - 3

 

Pssstt!! Here’s a handy hint to help you reach superstar status:

Remember that equals means the same as and the answers on either side of the equals sign must be the same.

 

In this activity, you will be completing sums by finding the missing number.

Good luck!