Missing Factors

This order of operations worksheet challenges students to determine missing values within five-step numerical expressions. Learners evaluate known parts of each expression using PEMDAS, then reason backward to identify the number that makes the equation true, strengthening algebraic thinking and structural understanding.

Instructional Objectives

• Skill Focus (Grades 6-8): Find missing values in five-step expressions by correctly applying the order of operations.
• Conceptual Understanding (Grades 6-8): Understand how parentheses and operation hierarchy affect the structure and outcome of complex expressions.
• Algebraic Reasoning (Grades 7-8): Use reverse reasoning and structural analysis to solve for unknown factors.
• Curriculum Alignment (Grades 6-8): Supports algebraic thinking, multi-step numerical evaluation, and reasoning-with-structure standards.

Each problem requires students to slow down, analyze expression structure, and apply PEMDAS consistently before solving for the missing number. This process promotes precision, persistence, and deeper understanding of how operations interact within layered expressions.

Learning Benefits

• Strengthens algebra readiness through reverse reasoning
• Reinforces disciplined use of PEMDAS in complex contexts
• Encourages careful analysis of expression structure
• Effective for practice, enrichment, or assessment preparation

This printable worksheet provides rigorous, concept-driven practice that helps students confidently solve missing-factor problems in five-step expressions while deepening understanding of the order of operations.

This worksheet is part of our 5-Step Order of Operations Worksheets collection.