Subtraction puzzles

Quick answer

Subtraction puzzles help you use subtraction to find missing numbers in fun patterns and problems. You can solve them by working backwards from the totals, using what you know about subtraction, and checking your answers.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve subtraction puzzles with missing numbers by working backwards and checking your answers.

• You can find missing numbers in subtraction puzzles
• You can use subtraction to check your answers
• You can solve puzzles with number pyramids and logic challenges
• You can explain how you solved a subtraction puzzle

Why this matters

Subtraction puzzles help you think more carefully about numbers and how they work together. They're great for games, puzzles, and even board games. When you solve puzzles, you're using the same thinking skills you'll need for bigger maths problems in school. These puzzles also help you become more confident with subtraction and make you better at checking your work.

How it works

Subtraction puzzles work like this:

1. Look at the puzzle and find the numbers you know
2. Find the numbers that are missing
3. Use subtraction to find what the missing numbers are
4. Check your answer by adding the numbers back together

For example, if you see 10 - ? = 3, you can think: what number do I need to take away from 10 to get 3? That's 7, because 10 - 7 = 3.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a few subtraction puzzles to see how they work.

Number Pyramid Puzzle

Imagine you're building a pyramid where each number is the difference between the two numbers below it.

To solve this, we work from the bottom up:

• 15 - 7 = 8
• 10 - 8 = 2
• 8 - 2 = 6

Missing Box Puzzle

Here's a simple puzzle with a missing number:

15 - ? = 9

What number goes in the box? You can think:

• 15 - 9 = 6
• So 6 + 9 = 15

Logic Puzzle

Tommy has some apples. He gives 7 to his friend and still has 5 left. How many apples did Tommy start with?

• He gave away 7 apples
• He still has 5 apples
• So he started with 7 + 5 = 12 apples

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you're a detective solving a mystery! You find a treasure map with clues:

1. Start with 20 coins
2. Find 3 more coins
3. Then spend 5 coins
4. Finally, you have 12 coins left

Can you figure out how many coins you had at the start?

Let's work backwards:

• You have 12 coins now
• You spent 5 coins, so before spending you had 12 + 5 = 17 coins
• You found 3 more coins, so before finding them you had 17 - 3 = 14 coins
• So you started with 14 coins

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 10 - 3 = 13
• Why it happens: Mixing up addition and subtraction
• Fix: Use counting on fingers or a number line to check

• Mistake: Forgetting to check answers
• Why it happens: Rushing to finish puzzles
• Fix: Always add your answer back to the number you subtracted from

• Mistake: Working from the wrong direction
• Why it happens: Not understanding what the puzzle is asking
• Fix: Read the puzzle carefully and work backwards from what you know

Parent and carer guide

Here's how you can help your child with subtraction puzzles:

• Ask questions like "What do you think the missing number is?" instead of giving the answer
• Use everyday examples like sharing snacks or counting toys
• Encourage your child to check their work by adding back
• Don't worry if they make mistakes - they're learning!
• Try solving puzzles together to show how fun maths can be

Remember, puzzles are about thinking, not speed. Let your child take their time and explore different ways to solve problems.

Practice questions

1. What number goes in the box? 18 - ? = 10
2. Solve: 25 - ? = 17
3. Find the missing number: ? - 9 = 4
4. Complete the pyramid: 12 - 5 = ?
5. Tommy had 15 marbles. He lost some and now has 8. How many did he lose?

Answers:

1. 8
2. 8
3. 13
4. 7
5. 7

FAQ

What is a subtraction puzzle?

A subtraction puzzle is a problem where you need to find missing numbers using subtraction. These puzzles can be in patterns, pyramids, or logic problems.

Why do we use subtraction puzzles?

Subtraction puzzles help you practice subtraction and learn to think backwards. They're great for problem-solving and building confidence with numbers.

How can I make subtraction puzzles fun?

You can make puzzles fun by turning them into games, using toys or snacks as examples, or creating stories around the problems. You can also use apps or books with puzzles.

Can subtraction puzzles be hard?

Yes, they can get harder as you learn more. But starting with simple puzzles helps build your skills. It's okay to take your time!

How can I help my child at home?

Ask your child to explain how they solved a puzzle, use everyday situations to create puzzles, and let them check their answers. Make it a fun activity, not a test.