When performing a division, sometimes the value of a missing number has to be found. This is called finding the missing term.
To find the missing term, you must perform a multiplication. Take the end result and multiply it by the known term.
In the operation ? ÷ 3 = 6, I ask myself which number, when divided by 3, equals 6.
I take the end result and I multiply it by the known term.
6 × 3 = ?
Since 6 × 3 = 18, I know that the missing term is 18. I can verify if the missing term is correct by trying the original division again.
18 ÷ 3 = 6
To find the missing term, you must perform a division. Take the starting number and divide it by the end result.
In the operation 20 ÷ ? = 5, I ask myself what number, when divided by 20, gives an answer of 5.
I take the starting number and I divide it by the end result.
20 ÷ 5 = ?
Since 20 ÷ 5 = 4, I know that the missing term is 4. I can verify if the missing term is correct by trying the original division again.
20 ÷ 4 = 5