Grade 6/Order of Operations
Order of Operations: Challenge (Missing Numbers) (895)
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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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
Prerequisites
- 894
- Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
- Basic Operations with Parentheses
- Inverse Operations
Next Steps
- Solving One-Step Equations
- Solving Two-Step Equations
- Equations with Variables
- Order of Operations: Multi-Step Equations
- Solving for Variables: One-Step Equations
- Balancing Equations: Intro to Algebra