In ☐ × 6 = 42, a factor is missing. Ask: what times 6 makes 42? You can count in 6s until you reach 42, or use division: 42 ÷ 6 = 7.
In 36 ÷ ☐ = 4, ask: 36 shared into how many groups gives 4 each? That is the same as 4 × ☐ = 36, so the missing number is 9. Check by putting the number back in.
Worked example
☐ × 8 = 64. What is the missing number?
- Ask: what times 8 is 64?
- 64 ÷ 8 = 8.
Answer:8
Key words
- missing factor
- an unknown number being multiplied
- inverse
- the opposite operation
- unknown
- a number we need to find
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 3.OA.A.4