Inverse Operations: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 3

Inverse Operations is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8). Children use the opposite operation to check an answer or to find a missing number. They link adding with subtracting, and multiplying with dividing. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help, a stretch idea and the answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children meet number stories that come in pairs. A sum is given, then they use the opposite operation to answer a linked question. Later they find a missing number by undoing the sum. Some questions use adding and subtracting. Others use multiplying and dividing. There is space beside each numbered question to write the answer.

• 25 + 17 = 42. So 42 - 17 = ?
• 56 - 20 = 36. So 36 + 20 = ?
• 8 x 4 = 32. So 32 / 4 = ?
• 40 / 5 = 8. So 8 x 5 = ?
• ? + 14 = 30. Work out 30 - 14.
• ? - 12 = 20. Work out 20 + 12.
• ? x 3 = 27. Work out 27 / 3.
• ? / 4 = 6. Work out 6 x 4.

A worked example

What are inverse operations?

Skills and curriculum link

• Adding and subtracting
• Multiplying and dividing
• Checking answers
• Finding missing numbers
• Reasoning about number

This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.

Framework	Subject or area	Strand	Year
National Curriculum (England)	Maths	Addition and subtraction	Year 3

What children will be able to do

• I can name the opposite operation.
• I can use it to check an answer.
• I can use it to find a missing number.

Ideas that help children with inverses

• Think of undoingAdding and subtracting undo each other. Multiplying and dividing undo each other. Say it as a rule that children can repeat.
• Number familiesThree numbers can be linked by two adding facts and two subtracting facts. Seeing them together shows how they connect.
• Work backwardsWhen a number is missing, start from the total and undo the step. This turns a puzzle into a simple sum.
• Check with senseAn answer should fit the story. Ask whether it is bigger or smaller than where you started, and whether that makes sense.

Key words

• InverseThe opposite operation. It undoes what another operation did.
• OperationA type of calculation, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
• OppositeSomething that works the other way round.
• Missing numberA number that is hidden in a sum. Children work out what it must be.
• CheckWork out an answer a second way to see if it matches.
• TotalThe answer when you add numbers together.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself, as it has the notes and answers.
2. Explain that add and subtract are opposites, and so are multiply and divide. Ask your child for an example of each pair.
3. Work through the first questions together. Talk about which operation to use and why.
4. Check against the answers on page 2. Ask your child to explain how the opposite helped them.
5. Come back to the sheet another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Mistakes to watch for

Talk about it

• What does opposite mean in maths?
• Can you think of something in real life that you can undo, like tying a shoelace?
• Why does it help to check an answer a second way?
• How do you know which operation to use when a number is missing?
• Is it harder to undo adding or undo multiplying? Why do you think so?
• Can you make up a number story and ask someone else to check it?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits

In Year 2, children learn that adding and subtracting are linked, and they begin to use this to check calculations. They also meet the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. This sheet builds on that and brings multiplying and dividing into the same idea.

In Year 3, children learn the 3, 4 and 8 times tables as well. Alongside that, they use inverse operations to check answers. Next, Fact Family Triangle Cards give more practice linking three numbers through adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. In later years children use the same idea with larger numbers.

Check it worked

Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.

1. What is the opposite of adding?
2. How could you check 45 plus 27 using subtraction?
3. How can you use the opposite to find a missing number?

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Inverse Operations for?

It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Children use the opposite operation to check or find an answer. It may also suit some younger children who are ready for a challenge, or older children who need to revise.

What will children practise?

Children practise using the opposite operation to check an answer or find a missing number. They work with adding and subtracting, and with multiplying and dividing. They also practise explaining how they know their answer is right.

How do I use it?

Print both pages and give page 1 to your child. Explain that add and subtract are opposites, and so are multiply and divide. Work through the first questions together, then check using the answers on page 2.

What if it feels too hard?

Use counters to show a sum and then undo it. Take it slowly and work on a few questions at a time. Say each step aloud. Come back to the sheet another day, as repeating it builds confidence.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision a few weeks later. Black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Children get to think, talk and write by hand without a screen.

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