Page 1 - 3.1 Using a symbol to represent a missing number or operation
P. 1
SAI International School
Class – III
LN – Using symbols to represent numbers and operations
Learning Objective:
Students should be able to:
• Use a symbol (like a box □, letter, or question mark ?) to represent a
missing number or operation.
• Solve equations or number sentences with missing parts.
Have you ever solved a puzzle where something is missing, and
you had to figure it out?
In math we sometimes use symbols (like a □ or a letter such as x) to
stand for a missing number or missing operation. Our job is to figure
out what that missing part is.
Missing Number:
• Example:
5 + □ = 9
What number goes in the box?
• Ans. 4.
Using a letter instead of a box:
• 5 + x = 9
x = 4
Missing Operation:
• Example:
3 ? 2 = 6
What operation fits here? (Answer: × or
multiplication)
Another operation example:
• 10 ? 5 = 5
(Answer: subtraction, so the operation is −)
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
