Find the missing number
Solving 7 x ? = 56 is your child's first real taste of algebra. It teaches that the equal sign means the same amount as, which matters every time an equation looks unfamiliar. In later grades the question mark becomes a letter, as in 7 x n = 56, and children who are comfortable working backward from an answer find that change much less strange.
In this video, your child will learn to find missing numbers in times and division.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
3 × ? = 12
Example 2
? ÷ 3 = 5
Your child's turn
6 × ? = 48
The three key steps
- 1How many rows? In each row?
- 2Build rows with what you know.
- 3Count to find the box.
Mistakes to listen for
- Multiplying the two numbers showing, so 7 x ? = 56 gets the answer 392, because the blank is usually the answer.
- Getting stuck on an equation written backward, like 40 = ? x 5, and thinking it must be wrong.
- Dividing when the unknown comes first in a division problem, so ? ÷ 3 = 6 gets 2 instead of 18.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56 →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
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More 3rd grade Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56 has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
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