UKUK USUSIndiaIndia

Teaching by Asking!

Parents Students Tutors Teachers Safe Ai Knowledge Bank Survey Results Blog QuizMaster
Join Us
UKUK USUSIndiaIndia
Join Us
KS1 (Age 5-7)KS2 (Age 7-11)11 Plus (Age 7-11)KS3 (Age 11-14)GCSE (Age 14-17)PSHEA.I.ESLSpanishSpecialistGames
Lucy
Ask the AI Tutor
Need help with Year 1 Numbers - Missing Numbers? Ask our AI Tutor!
Lucy AI Tutor - Lucy
Connecting with Tutor...
Please wait while we establish connection
Lucy
Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Year 1 Numbers - Missing Numbers today?
now
0/50 words
  1. Home
  2. KS1
  3. Maths
  4. Year 1 Numbers - Missing Numbers
Year 1 Numbers - Missing Numbers
2 + 3 = 4 + 1. Can you see how both sides of the sum balance? Just like people on a seesaw.

Year 1 Numbers - Missing Numbers

Find missing numbers using number lines. Count forwards or back until the sentence balances, then check your answer with the inverse operation.

Explore the Topic →
(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

12 - __ = 9. Three careful steps make 3. Cross the bridge safely.

In KS1 Maths, missing numbers are found by using number lines, cubes, or fingers. Children count on or back and use inverse operations to check that their answers are correct.

Key Terms

  • Missing number: The unknown value that makes a number sentence true.
  • Equation: A maths sentence with an equals sign showing two amounts are the same.
  • Inverse: The opposite operation, like addition to check subtraction.

Practise quick checks by playing the Addition Game and use inverse steps to spot each missing number.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do you find a missing number in Year 1?

Start at the known number on a number line, then count on or back the given steps. Check by using the inverse operation to see if it still matches.

What is the inverse method for checking answers?

If the question is subtraction, add your answer to the smaller number to see if you get the larger number. For addition, subtract to check.

What does the blank box in a sum mean?

The blank box is a placeholder for an unknown number. Your job is to find the value that makes both sides of the equals sign the same.

Try These Related Quizzes

Question 1
Which number is missing:
2 + 3 + 6 = 19 - ?
19
9
11
8
19 - 8 gives 11, which is what the other numbers add up to
Question 2
Which number is missing:
18 = 4 + 6 + ?
6
17
8
15
8 must be added to 4 and 6 to get 18
Question 3
Which number is missing:
8 = ? + 5
2
3
5
8
Working out which two numbers add together to make 8 is helpful here
Question 4
Which number is missing:
20 = 17 + ?
6
5
4
3
Knowing number bonds to 20 might be helpful here!
Question 5
Which number is missing:
3 + 4 = 10 - ?
4
3
7
10
This question is all about balancing both sides evenly
Question 6
Which number is missing:
5 = 19 - ?
14
13
12
11
5 is equal to 19 - 14
Question 7
Which number is missing:
20 - 4 = 12 + ?
4
6
12
20
Balancing the two number sentences to give the same answer is the key here
Question 8
Which number is missing:
15 - 11 = 2 + ?
2
3
4
5
Make sure both calculations give the same answer
Question 9
Which number is missing:
8 - ? = 2
2
8
4
6
Using fingers might be useful
Question 10
Which number is missing:
20 - ? = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5
1
0
2
20
5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20, so nothing needs to be subtracted from the other side
Author:  Angela Smith (Primary School Teacher & KS1 Quiz Writer)
Maths Play this quiz again

Contact Details

Education Quizzes

Heron's Way, Wragg Marsh
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE12 6HH
England

Email

admin@educationquizzes.com

Customer Service

Home Page Parents Students Tutors Teachers
Colour Filters Safe AI
Your Account

Here To Help

Contact Us Quiz List and Sitemap FAQs Links and Resources Blog

About Us

Our Team Testimonials Parent Reviews Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2016-2025 - Education Quizzes
Work Innovate Ltd - Design | Development | Marketing

We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website.

To comply with the e-Privacy directive, we need your consent - I agree - No thanks - Learn more