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First/Order Of Operations

Order of Operations: Challenge (Missing Numbers)

Challenge worksheets for Grade 4 order of operations. Students find the missing number in the equation, requiring them to work backwards and understand the structure of the equation.
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Prerequisites
Order of Operations: 4 Operations (6 Numbers)6 WS
(12 ÷ 4) x 5 + 8 - 2 x 3 = _______

Practice Questions

  1. 10 - (2 + ?) = 5
    Show answer

    3

  2. (? + 4) x 2 = 16
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    4

  3. 20 ÷ (3 + ?) = 4
    Show answer

    2

  4. 5 x (10 - ?) = 30
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    4

  5. (15 - ?) + 5 = 12
    Show answer

    8

Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes

These problems introduce algebraic thinking. Encourage students to treat the part in parentheses (or the unknown part) as a single "box" or variable first, solve for that box, and then solve for the number inside.

Vocabulary
Missing Number: A number that is not shown.
Inverse Operation: The opposite math operation.
Common Mistakes
  • Guessing and checking without a strategy
  • Ignoring the order of operations when checking their answer
  • Ignoring parentheses
  • Incorrect inverse operation
  • Misapplying order of operations
Differentiation
SupportUse a "cover up" method: Cover the parentheses with a finger. "10 minus what equals 5?"
ChallengeCreate equations with two missing numbers that could have multiple answers (e.g., __ + __ = 10).
Discussion Questions
  • How do parentheses change the problem?
  • What operation should you undo first?
  • How can you check your answer?
  • Are there multiple ways to solve this?
Extension Activities
  • Use different operations.
  • Add more steps.
  • Hide numbers in different places.
Parent Tip

Ask 'What if?' questions to change the numbers in a problem.

Learning Path
Skill Cluster

Algebraic Thinking & Problem Solving

Estimated Time

25 minutes

Skills Practiced
Algebraic thinking intro