Max Maths, Year 2, Try it, Missing numbers

In Max Maths for Year 2, students are introduced to the concept of missing numbers in addition sentences, a fundamental aspect of their mathematical development. On Workbook page 33, the section titled "Missing numbers" presents an engaging activity where students learn to deduce the unknown value in an equation. The activity is framed as a collaborative effort between two characters, Han and Padma, who take turns writing down addition sentences with one number covered up. The other must then figure out the hidden number to complete the sentence correctly.

The lesson begins with Han writing an addition sentence where one number is obscured, and Padma must work out the missing value. For instance, Han writes down "35 + ___ = 40," and Padma uses her understanding that "35 + 5 = 40" to fill in the blank. Similarly, Padma creates a problem for Han, "___ + 25 = 30," and Han solves it by knowing that "5 + 25 = 30." The "Let’s Try It" section encourages students to apply this method by writing down the missing numbers in a series of similar addition problems. Examples include "15 + ___ = 20" and "___ + 22 = 30." Through this exercise, students practice their addition skills and develop an intuitive understanding of number relationships, which is an essential step in their journey towards mathematical proficiency.