Missing Numbers Subtraction Worksheet/Game

This Subtraction with Missing Numbers Worksheet/Game is a great way to put your skills to the test in a fun environment. By practicing, you’ll start to work out the answers efficiently.

Share this page to Google Classroom

Subtraction with Missing Numbers Worksheet/Game
Welcome to Subtraction with Missing Numbers Worksheet/Game. To find the missing minuend, we need to add the subtrahend and the difference. To find the missing subtrahend, we need to subtract the difference from the minuend. You can also use the hint to show the visual part-whole bar model. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.

How to Play

Start the Investigation: Click the “Start Investigation” button to begin your 10-case mission.
Identify the Mystery: Look at the horizontal equation. One number is replaced by a yellow “Mystery Box” with a question mark.
The Minuend (First Slot): The “Whole” number you are starting with.
The Subtrahend (Middle Slot): The “Part” being taken away.
Select a Clue: Pick a number from the 4 options in the grid. The number you click will fill the mystery slot so you can see if the equation looks balanced.
Verify: Once you’ve made your choice, click “Verify Clue."
Green Feedback: Correct. You move to the next level.
Red Feedback: Incorrect. Try a different number.
Win the Game: Solve 10 problems to complete the lab and see your final score.

Using the Visual Hint (Bar Model)
If a problem feels tricky, click the “Visual Hint” button.
This reveals a Singapore Math Part-Whole Model, which is a powerful way to visualize the logic:
The Top Bar (Whole): This is always the first number in a subtraction problem (the Minuend).
The Bottom Bars (Parts): These are the Subtrahend and the Difference.
The Logic:
If the Top Bar is missing, Add the two bottom parts together.
If a Bottom Bar is missing, Subtract the known part from the top whole.

Educational Tips for the Classroom
Check with Addition: Encourage students to read the equation backward using addition to check their work (e.g., if 10 - 6 = 4, then 4 + 6 must equal 10).
Use the Model First: For students struggling with the abstract equation, have them open the Visual Hint to see the physical “size” of the numbers.

Find the missing number in a subtraction

Show Video

Check out our most popular games!

Fraction Concoction Game:
Master fractions in the lab: mix, add, and subtract beakers to create the perfect concoction!

Fact Family Game:
Complete fact families and master the link between addition & subtraction and multiplication & division.

Number Bond Garden:
Clear the board by matching number pairs that sum to ten in this garden-themed mental math puzzle.

Online Addition Subtraction Game:
Practice your addition and subtraction skills to help the penguin find its mummy.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.