Grade 3, Operations

Find the missing number: add and subtract

Find the unknown start, change or result in equations to 100.

Three levels

One skill, rising difficulty

Each sheet carries one level. The three are the same skill at rising difficulty, each named for what it practises.

Level 1: Result unknown
Write the number that goes in the box.
Level 2: Change unknown
Write the number that goes in the box.
Level 3: Start unknown
Write the number that goes in the box.

Worked example

How the sheet explains it

The helper printed at the top of each sheet: one solved example and the steps a student follows, before the first question. Every number sentence in it is proven by the same checker as the answer key.

Level 1: Result unknown

47 + 25 = 72

  1. The box is the answer. Add or subtract, as the sign says.
  2. Add the tens: 47 + 20 = 67.
  3. Add the ones: 67 + 5 = 72, so 47 + 25 = 72.
  4. To subtract, take away the tens, then the ones.

Level 2: Change unknown

38 + 14 = 52

  1. The box is the number added to 38 to make 52.
  2. Count up: 38 + 2 = 40, then 40 + 12 = 52.
  3. The jumps are 2 + 12 = 14, so 38 + 14 = 52.
  4. If the box is taken away, as in 52 − box = 38, count up from 38 the same way.

Level 3: Start unknown

37 + 26 = 63

  1. The box is the number you start with. To undo adding, take away.
  2. 63 − 26: take away 20, then 6. 63 − 20 = 43 and 43 − 6 = 37.
  3. Check: 37 + 26 = 63.
  4. To undo taking away, add: if 18 was taken away and 25 is left, 25 + 18 = 43.

Goes with

Reference sheets

One-page helpers a student keeps beside this sheet:

  • Solving equations

Every reference, facts and support sheet is listed in the worksheet catalogue.

In the BC curriculum

Content standards

The British Columbia content standard this skill is written for, by the codes used across this site:

  • bc.math.3.c.8

The wording of each standard is on the Province's mathematics curriculum page.

Print it free

Print the sheet and its answer key

Sign in, open the skill in the teacher dashboard, pick a level and print. Each sheet comes with a fresh version code and a proven answer key.

Any account can choose the teacher dashboard. No payment and no card.

Back to all worksheets by grade, or read the Grade 3 guide to what this grade learns in British Columbia.