Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Missing Numbers in Subtractions: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Missing Numbers in Subtractions is a free printable worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children find the number that was taken away. Sometimes the number taken away is hidden. Sometimes the start number is hidden. Either way, children use what they know about adding and taking away to find it.
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. It is two A4 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 subtraction sums with a question mark in place of one number. In some, the number taken away is hidden, such as a sum that starts at 20. In others, the start number is hidden, such as a sum that takes away 5. Children work out each missing number and write it in the space provided. The sums use numbers up to 30.
- 15 - ? = 9
- 20 - ? = 12
- ? - 5 = 10
- 18 - ? = 11
- ? - 7 = 6
- 30 - ? = 20
- 25 - ? = 18
- ? - 4 = 16
A worked example
22 take away ? makes 14. What was taken away?
This is a different question from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways children can work.
Method 1: count up to find the gap- Start at the smaller number, 14.
- Count up to the next ten. 14 to 20 is 6.
- Count on from 20 to 22. That is 2 more.
- Add the two jumps: 6 + 2 = 8.
- Put out 22 counters.
- Take away 2 counters to leave 20.
- Take away 6 more to leave 14.
- Count what you took away: 2 + 6 = 8. Check: 22 take away 8 makes 14.
Three ways to picture a missing number
The bar picture
Draw a long bar for the start number. Split it into two parts. One part is what was taken away and one part is what is left. The missing number is whichever part is not written yet.
The number line
Mark the small number and the big number on a line. Jump from one to the other and count the size of the jump. That jump is the gap between them.
The fact family
Every subtraction belongs with an addition. If 22 take away 8 makes 14, then 14 and 8 make 22. Turning a sum round can make the missing number easier to spot.
Counters and a cup
Start with a group of counters. Hide some under a cup. Show what is left and ask how many are hidden. This turns the question mark into something real.
Why missing number sums matter
A missing number sum asks a different question from a usual subtraction. Instead of being given the numbers and finding the answer, children are told the answer and must find a number in the sum. This helps them see that the equals sign means both sides have the same value, not just that an answer comes next.
Adding and subtracting are linked. If you know how two parts make a whole, you can find a missing part by taking one away from the whole. Children who see this link can choose between counting up and taking away, and can check their work by putting the answer back into the sum.
Skills and curriculum link
- Missing number subtraction
- Number bonds
- Counting up to find a gap
- Fact families
- Checking answers
Ideas that help with missing numbers
- Count up to find the gapWhen two numbers are given, counting up from the smaller one to the larger one shows how far apart they are. That gap is often the missing number.
- Use a fact familyAddition and subtraction sums come in sets that use the same three numbers. Turning a subtraction into an addition can make it easier to solve.
- Check by putting it backWrite the answer into the sum and say the whole sum aloud. If it does not work, the answer needs another look.
- Ask what is hiddenBefore starting, ask whether the start number, the number taken away or the answer is hidden. This tells children which way to work.
Key words
- Missing numberA number that is hidden in a sum. A question mark often stands in for it.
- SubtractTake one number away from another.
- DifferenceHow far apart two numbers are. You can find it by counting up from the smaller to the larger.
- Number bondTwo numbers that join to make a whole number, such as the parts of a total.
- Fact familyA set of addition and subtraction sums that use the same three numbers.
- Number lineA line of numbers in order. Children jump along it to count up or back.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Read the first sum aloud together. Ask your child which number is hidden, and what they could use to find it.
- Let them choose how to work. A number line, counters, fingers or a quick drawing are all fine.
- Check together using page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?" The thinking matters as much as the answer.
- Come back to it another day and redo any sums that felt tricky. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Count up from the small number to the big number to find the gap. Or use counters to show the start number, then take away until the right amount is left. Try a few sums at a time and come back to the rest later.
To stretch confident children
Write three missing number sums of your own. Work out the answers first, then hide one number in each with a question mark. Swap with a friend and solve each other's. Then check by putting the answers back in.
Make it a game
Put some counters in a pot, then take a few out without showing them. Hide them under a cup. Show how many are left. Your partner works out how many are under the cup, then lifts it to check.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forWith a sum where the start number is missing, a child subtracts. For example, "? take away 2 makes 13" becomes 13 take away 2, giving 11.
Try thisAsk what the sum is saying. Something was taken away and 13 was left, so the start must be bigger than 13. Use counters to put the 2 back.
Watch forA child counts up to find the gap but includes the starting number, so the answer is one too big.
Try thisSay the start number, then count only the new numbers with fingers. Use a number line and count the jumps, not the points.
Watch forA child writes an answer but never checks it.
Try thisTeach one habit. Put the answer in place of the question mark and read the whole sum aloud. Ask, "Does it work?"
Talk about it
- Which number is hidden in this sum? How do you know?
- Is the missing number bigger or smaller than the numbers you can see? Why?
- Can you turn this subtraction into an addition?
- Would you count up or take away here? Why did you choose that?
- How can you check that your answer is right?
- Can you make up a missing number sum for me to solve?
Take it off the page
Shop game
Set up a pretend shop with a few items. Say you had some coins, spent some, and have a certain amount left. Ask your child how much you spent.
Hidden counters
Use a pot of counters or buttons. Take some out secretly and show how many are left. Your child works out how many you took.
Number line on the path
Draw a number line in chalk outside. Stand on a big number and hop back to a smaller one. Count the hops to find the missing number.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first sum, then let them lead. Short bursts work well. If they get stuck, put out counters and let them move them. Praise how they think, not only whether they are right.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary or an early finisher task. It supports work on the link between addition and subtraction, including the inverse and missing number problems. Page 2 offers support and stretch for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as one part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with practical counting, shopping games and number line play outdoors. It is free to print again for siblings or for revision later.
Where this fits
Before this, children practise number bonds and simple subtraction facts with small numbers. They learn that adding and subtracting are linked and that a sum can be written in different ways. Counters, number lines and bar pictures help them see this.
After this, children can tackle missing number problems with larger numbers and in different positions. They use the link between adding and subtracting to check their work. In the National Curriculum for England, this sits within the number strand on addition and subtraction.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Missing Numbers in Subtractions for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7) in Key Stage 1. Children who are confident with simple subtraction facts will find it easiest. Younger children can try it with counters and an adult beside them.
- What will children practise?
They find the missing number in subtraction sums. Sometimes the start number is hidden and sometimes the number taken away is hidden. They use what they know about adding and taking away to work it out.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages. Give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Work through the first sum together, then let your child try alone. Check with the answers on page 2 and talk about how they worked.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and use counters or a number line. Count up from the small number to the big number to find the gap. Try just a few sums at a time and come back to the others on another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. It is also screen free, needing only paper and a pencil, with counters or a number line as optional extras.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.