Missing Addend in Addition problems
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About this worksheet
Suits Years 1 to 3The sums here have a hole in them: 4 plus something makes 9, what is the something? Your child fills in the missing number.
This flips addition into a puzzle and quietly teaches that adding and subtracting undo each other. It is also, truth be told, a first taste of algebra, years before anyone mentions the letter x.
How to make your worksheet
- Give the sheet a title, or keep the one suggested.
- Choose the range the numbers come from.
- Press Generate and print. Answers included.
Every press of Generate lays out a fresh sheet, ready to print on A4.
Common questions
How do children solve these?
Two good ways: count up from the 4 to the 9, or subtract 4 from 9. Both give 5. Children usually start with counting up, and discover subtraction hiding inside the puzzle later.
Why is this called early algebra?
Because 4 + _ = 9 is exactly 4 + x = 9 with a friendlier costume. The thinking, undo the addition to find the unknown, is the same thinking secondary school asks for.