Solve the Addition Equation: Finding the Missing Number in 9+?+3=25

Addition Equations with Missing Addends

9+?+3=25 9+?+3=25

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:01 We will use the commutative property of addition
00:24 Subtract 12 from both sides in order to isolate the unknown

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

9+?+3=25 9+?+3=25

2

Step-by-step solution

To find out which number is missing, we solve the entire exercise to know which number we will have to add to obtain a result of 25:

9+3=12 9+3=12

To make 12 equal to 25 we will have to add the number 13.

Let's verify:

2512=13 25-12=13

3

Final Answer

13 13

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Use subtraction to isolate the unknown number
  • Technique: First add known numbers: 9 + 3 = 12
  • Check: Substitute back: 9 + 13 + 3 = 25 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding all numbers including the total
    Don't add 9 + 3 + 25 = 37! This includes the final answer as an addend, which creates confusion. Always subtract the sum of known addends from the total: 25 - 12 = 13.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 3+2-1= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I add 9 + 3 first instead of working left to right?

+

Adding the known numbers first (9 + 3 = 12) makes it easier to see what's missing. Then you can think: what number plus 12 equals 25? This approach reduces errors.

Can I solve this by guessing and checking?

+

Yes, but it's not efficient! Systematic subtraction gives you the answer immediately. Save guessing for when you're stuck on harder problems.

What if the missing number was in a different position?

+

The method stays the same! Whether it's ?+9+3=25 ? + 9 + 3 = 25 or 9+3+?=25 9 + 3 + ? = 25 , always add the known numbers first, then subtract from the total.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

+

Substitute your answer back into the original equation. Replace the ? with your answer: 9+13+3=25 9 + 13 + 3 = 25 . If both sides are equal, you're right!

What if I get a negative number as my answer?

+

That's possible in some problems! If the total is smaller than the sum of known addends, you'll get a negative missing number. Always double-check your arithmetic.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Order of operations for beginners questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations