Missing numbers

For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Years 1 and 2 · Maths

Missing numbers: I can find a missing number.

1. Here are 6 apples in a ten frame.

   Here are 2 more apples.

   6 + 2 = 8

   Picture: Two groups of apples in a ten frame: 6 and 2. 8 apples altogether.

2. 6 + ? = 8

   8 is the whole. 6 is one part.

   6 and 2 make 8, so ? is 2.

   Picture: A part-whole model: the whole is 8, and the parts are 6 and a question mark.

3. Another way for 6 + ? = 8: start with 8 apples.

   Take away the 6 we know.

   8 − 6 = 2. The missing number is 2.

   Picture: 8 apples. 6 apples are crossed out, and 2 are left. 2 left.

4. Your turn: 3 + ? = 5 What is the missing number?

   Picture: A part-whole model: the whole is 5, and the parts are 3 and a question mark.

   Choose one:

   • 2
   • 3
   • 8

   Answer

   The answer: 2

   3 and 2 make 5. 3 + 2 = 5

   Picture: A part-whole model: the whole is 5, and the parts are 3 and 2.

Words to know

missing number:

The number we need to find. A ? shows where it goes.

whole:

All of it. The parts put together make the whole.

part:

Some of the whole.

equals:

The = sign. It means is the same as.