Printable Missing Factor Worksheets

Printable missing factor worksheets for 3rd and 4th grade, with an answer key on every sheet. The sets below cover 4 different skills, so you can start where your child actually is. Available as missing numbers and speed drills.

Targeted Practice by Skill

About Missing Factor

What this skill is

Missing factor equations present multiplication sentences with an unknown factor (e.g., 6 x _ = 42), requiring students to use division (42 / 6 = 7) or skip counting to find the missing 7.

When children learn it

Missing factor equations are taught in 3rd and 4th grade, aligned to Common Core standard 3.OA.A.4.

Teaching Tips

  • Rephrase 6 x _ = 42 as 42 divided by 6 equals what.
  • Skip count by the known factor until reaching the product target.

Common Mistakes

  • Multiplying the two given numbers together (writing 6 x 42 = 252 for 6 x _ = 42).
  • Confusing missing factors with missing products.