Mathematics
Grade 2
Find the Missing Number in a Series
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is currently learning to find the missing number in a
series of numbers. Here is your chance to help your child practice
this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
child to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page this evening.
Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your child return it
tomorrow.
Remember, parents are a child’s first teacher. Thank you for your
time and energy in making learning fun and exciting for your child.
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your child’s teacher
Grade 2 – Find the Missing Number in a Series
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Last printed 8/30/04
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FINDING MISSING NUMBERS
Parent Pointer —
When looking at number patterns, your child is finding a rule that gets
him or her from one number to the next. This rule will consist of
adding or subtracting the same number to find what is missing.
Learning how to analyze number patterns will help your child when he or
she begins to learn how to multiply and divide. Being able to use
number patterns can be of use when finding the cost of more than one
of the same item. For example, number patterns can be used when
finding the cost of 3 boxes of crackers, if one box costs 50¢.
Math in the Home, on the Go, and for the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Read through the Finding the Pattern reference sheet
with your parent or guardian. Study the steps needed to find a pattern
rule and a missing number. Then, use this same strategy to do the
Missing Number Mystery activity page.
Talk about It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 2 – Find the Missing Number in a Series
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
2
Last printed 8/30/04
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Finding the Pattern
A number pattern is a set of numbers that are
related to each other.
In order to find the number that is missing in a set of numbers, we
must first find the rule being used.
3, 6, 9, 12, ___
How are these numbers related?
What rule is being used? Add 3
3 is being added to each number
To find the next number, add 3 to 12.
What is the next number in the series?
15
Here are some other examples of number patterns and rules.
15, 30, 45, 60, 75, __
+15 +15 +15 +15 +15
Rule: Add 15 The next number would be 90.
125, 150, 175, ____, 225, 250
Rule:
+25 +25 +25 +25 +25
Add 25 The missing number is 200.
300, 350, 400, ____, 500, 550
+50 +50 +50 +50 +50
Rule:
Add 50 The missing number is 450.
Grade 2 – Find the Missing Number in a Series
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
3
Last printed 8/30/04
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dL
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Missing Number Mystery
Directions: With the help of your parent or guardian, cut out each set
of numbers. Take turns creating a mystery by placing the numbers in
each set in a pattern, then removing one of the numbers. Have the
other person solve the mystery by stating the rule of the pattern and
which number in missing. (Example: The numbers 2, 4, 6, __, 10. The
rule is add 2, and the missing number is 8.) Have each person make a
pattern with each set of numbers.
12
27
235
500
140
20
4
16
8
16
60
49
38
220
265
350
130
Grade 2 – Find the Missing Number in a Series
300
120
250
450
205
400
110
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Last printed 8/30/04
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The Back Page
Talk about It
Parent —
Ask your child the following question:
9What steps do you need to follow in order to find the
missing number in a series?
Student —
Answer the above question in complete sentences on the
reverse side of this page.
OR
Do the following activity on the reverse side of this page:
9Have your parent or guardian create three number
patterns on the back of this sheet with a number
missing from each. Write the rule of each pattern
and the number that is missing from each pattern.
__________________________ _________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 2 – Find the Missing Number in a Series
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
5
Last printed 8/30/04