Meaning & use
missing addend
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Meaning
nouncountablemathematics
In an addition problem, the number that is not given and must be found.
Grammar: Countable: use 'a missing addend' or 'the missing addend'; plural 'missing addends'.
Patterns
- find the missing addend
- the missing addend in an equation
In the equation 7 + ? = 12, the missing addend is 5.
The teacher asked the class to find the missing addend in each problem.
To solve for the missing addend, subtract the known number from the total.
Word forms
| plural | missing addends |
|---|
Common combinations
- find the missing addend
- Can you find the missing addend in 8 + ? = 15?
- solve for the missing addend
- We learned to solve for the missing addend by subtracting.
- missing addend problem
- The worksheet had ten missing addend problems.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unknown addend
- This is a more formal term used in algebra; 'missing addend' is common in elementary school contexts.
Word family
- addend noun
- A number that is added to another in an addition problem.
Commonly confused: missing addend or missing minuend?
missing addend vs missing minuend
A minuend is the number you subtract from (as in ? - 3 = 5), while an addend is a number you add.
Practice
In the equation 9 + ? = 14, what is the missing addend?
Choose one answer.
The missing addend is the number that, when added to 9, gives 14. Since 14 - 9 = 5, the missing addend is 5. 23 is the sum if you add 9 and 14, which is not what the equation asks.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “missing addend”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.