Missing Minuend

Missing Minuend

In a subtraction equation, the minuend is the starting number, the one you subtract from. If that number is missing, you can find it by using the result and the number being subtracted.

Method

1. Read the equation in the form □ − subtrahend = difference.
2. Think of subtraction as a related addition fact.
3. Add the difference and the subtrahend to find the missing starting number.
4. Write the number back in the blank and check the equation.

Example idea

If □ − 7 = 12, then the missing starting number is 12 + 7 = 19. So the equation becomes 19 − 7 = 12.

Check your work

Substitute your answer into the original equation. If subtracting the given number gives the result, your answer is correct. You can also estimate whether the starting number should be larger than the result, since subtraction lowers a number.

Quick reminder

When the starting number is missing, add to find it.