Free worksheets · Grade 1
Find the Missing Number Worksheet
Write the number that makes both sides of the equal sign worth the same.
Free printable
Find the Missing Number
16 questions, one page, US Letter. Print it and do it on paper.
On the sheet: Write the number that makes both sides worth the same.
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About this worksheet
The equal sign means both sides have the same value, not "the answer comes next." In 6 + ___ = 15 the blank is in the middle, and in 8 = ___ − 2 the total is on the left.
Children who only ever see sums like 6 + 9 = ___ start to read = as "write the answer." Moving the blank around makes them think about what each side is worth, which is where solving equations begins.
A worked example
6 + ___ = 15
- The right side is worth 15.
- The left side is 6 and a missing number.
- Count on from 6 to 15: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. That's 9 more.
- Check: 6 + 9 = 15. Both sides are worth 15.
Answer: 9
The common mistake
What it looks like: Adding the two numbers shown, and writing 21 in 6 + ___ = 15.
Why it happens: The child sees two numbers and a blank and does what most sheets ask: add them.
How to fix it: Read it aloud as "6 plus what makes 15?" Then put the answer in the blank and check that both sides match.
Ten minutes a day, on paper. We plan what comes next.
A printed page and a pencil. No screen, no login for your child. Snap a photo when they’re done: AI scores it, and what they missed comes back on the sheets that follow.
- Mon Find the Missing Number
- Tue What they missed, back again
- Wed The next step, when they’re ready
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