Finding Unknown Numbers
Grade 1 Math | Solving for Missing Numbers
18 minutesBeginnerProblem Solving
What are Unknown Numbers?
Sometimes in equations, we have a missing number that we need to find. This missing number is called an "unknown"!
We can use different symbols to show the unknown number:
- A box: □
- A question mark: ?
- A blank space: ____
- A letter (later): like x
Our job is to figure out what number goes in the unknown place to make the equation true!
To find the unknown number, we think: "What number makes both sides equal?"
Examples of Unknown Numbers
3 + □=7
What number goes in the box?
Answer: 4
?=2 + 3
What number equals 2 + 3?
Answer: 5