Challenge your learners’ reasoning with this Year 6 missing number problems (algebra) worksheet, designed to consolidate key algebra skills. The first section asks children to solve for unknown values in a range of number sentences using shapes and symbols, reinforcing inverse operations and logical steps. The second task presents a real-life money scenario involving multiplication and reasoning. Pupils then move on to solving one-step equations involving variables (x and y), and finally write formulae to model given word problems. This KS2 worksheet strengthens problem-solving and encourages children to represent unknown values in different forms.
Key Curriculum Focus
This KS2 algebra worksheet aligns with the national curriculum by supporting:
- Solving missing number problems using number facts and inverse operations
- Working with variables and writing formulae to represent real-life problems
- Developing reasoning skills by interpreting and solving equations with unknowns
By including a mix of arithmetic-based logic, real-world problems and algebraic equations, the Year 6 missing number problems (algebra) worksheet provides learners with a variety of ways to understand unknown values. Children are encouraged to use reasoning, calculation and trial and improvement to reach solutions, while also thinking about how to express mathematical relationships using letters and symbols.
Algebra in Year 6 Maths
In algebra, a missing value can be shown using shapes or letters, which represent an unknown number. For example, in 3x = 18, the circle must be 6. In Year 6, children begin to solve equations like 8x = 21 and write formulae to represent worded problems such as “Ravi eats 5 times more than Charlotte.” These early steps prepare pupils for formal algebra in secondary school, helping them connect arithmetic operations with generalised rules and symbols.
Activity Idea: Symbol Equation Swap
Give each child a mini whiteboard and ask them to create an equation using a symbol for the missing value (e.g. ★ × 4 = 32). They swap with a partner, solve each other’s problem, and then write the inverse to check. This builds fluency and introduces equations in a fun, peer-led way.
Explore more Year 6 maths resources
If your class is developing confidence with algebraic thinking, they may enjoy the Year 6 Sequences Worksheets, where pupils explore number patterns and describe rules. For further challenge and reasoning tasks, browse our complete collection of Year 6 maths worksheets covering a variety of KS2 algebra topics.
