Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Subtraction: fill in the missing digits
Subtraction: fill in the missing digits
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the missing digit in the ones, tens, or hundreds place of a subtraction problem.
Use the inverse operation (addition) to find a missing digit in the minuend.
Solve subtraction problems with missing digits that require borrowing (regrouping).
Solve subtraction problems with missing digits that do not require borrowing.
Check their answers by placing the found digit back into the problem and solving.
Explain the process of finding a missing digit using place value language.
Imagine a secret code where some numbers have vanished! 🕵️♀️ Can you be the math detective who finds the secret digits?
In this lesson, we will learn how to find missing numbers in subtraction problems. This skill is like solving a fun puzzle and helps make you a super-strong...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
MinuendThe number you start with in a subtraction problem; the number you are taking from.In 15 - 7 = 8, the minuend is 15.
SubtrahendThe number that is being subtracted or taken away from the minuend.In 15 - 7 = 8, the subtrahend is 7.
DifferenceThe answer you get after you subtract one number from another.In 15 - 7 = 8, the difference is 8.
Missing DigitA blank space or box in a number where a digit from 0 to 9 needs to be placed to make the problem true.In 6_ - 12 = 53, the underscore is a missing digit.
Borrowing (Regrouping)Taking value from a higher place value column (like the tens) and moving it to a lower one (like the ones) to make subtraction possible.To solve 41 - 19, you borrow 1 ten from the 4, making it 3 tens. You add that 10 to the 1, making it 11 on...
3
Core Formulas
Finding a Missing Minuend Digit
Difference Digit + Subtrahend Digit = Minuend Digit
When a digit in the top number (minuend) is missing, add the digits in the same column from the subtrahend and the difference to find it.
Finding a Missing Subtrahend Digit
Minuend Digit - Difference Digit = Subtrahend Digit
When a digit in the number being subtracted (subtrahend) is missing, subtract the difference digit from the minuend digit in the same column.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Find the missing digit in the hundreds place. You will need to track borrowing across the whole problem. _47 - 288 = 359
A.5
B.6
C.7
D.3
Challenging
Consider the problem: 6_3 - 475 = 158. Which statement is TRUE about finding the missing digit?
A.The missing digit is 2 because you don't need to borrow from the hundreds place.
B.The missing digit is 3. You borrow from it for the ones place, then it borrows from the hundreds place.
C.The missing digit is 4 because 8 - 5 = 3, and you add 1 for the borrow.
D.The missing digit is 2 because 7 - 5 = 2.
Challenging
A student is solving 8_6 - 477 = 349. What is the missing digit in the minuend?
A.1
B.2
C.3
D.4
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