Missing factors

How to help

Read the equation as a question: 16 ÷ ? = 8 asks what 16 is divided by to make 8. Think of the multiplication fact with the same numbers: 8 × 2 = 16.

• factora number being multiplied
• unknownthe missing number
• equationa number sentence with an equals sign
• fact familyfacts that use the same three numbers

Watch for: Working out the numbers shown (16 ÷ 8) instead of finding the missing one. Not checking the equation with the number filled in. Mixing up the multiplication and division facts.

At home: Play “I'm thinking of a number”: I multiplied my number by 6 and got 30. What was it?

Sample sheet and answer key

New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.

Standard

Common Core 3.OA.A.4 · Find the missing number in a multiplication or division equation.

Also: Maryland 2025 3.NOS.C.5 · Texas TEKS 3.5D · Florida B.E.S.T. MA.3.AR.2.3 · Virginia SOL 3.CE.2

Drill sheets for more practice

• Division facts
• Missing factors

More grade 3 sheets: operations & algebraic thinking

• Equal groups
• Sharing equally
• Multiplication and division stories
• Multiplying with properties
• Division as a missing factor
• Times tables
• Two-step story problems
• Patterns in tables