About This Worksheet
This worksheet helps sixth-grade students solve equations with a missing decimal value. Instead of always finding the final answer, students work backward to determine which number makes each equation true. The problems use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, so students must think about the relationship between operations. This gives the activity a strong connection to early algebra while still using familiar decimal computation.
What Students Practice
Students find missing values in decimal equations by using inverse operations and number relationships. Some equations require them to undo addition or subtraction, while others involve reversing multiplication or division. Students must decide which operation will isolate the missing number and then calculate carefully. This strengthens both decimal fluency and equation-solving habits.
Why This Matters
Working backward is an important step between basic arithmetic and algebra. Students need to understand that addition and subtraction are related, just as multiplication and division are related. When they use those relationships to find an unknown, they begin thinking about equations as balanced mathematical statements. That understanding will help when variables and more complicated expressions are introduced.
Teaching Tips
Have students cover the blank with a small box or write a letter in its place so the equation looks more like an algebra problem. Ask what operation is happening to the missing value and which opposite operation would undo it. Encourage students to plug their answer back into the original equation to check whether both sides are equal. If they struggle, use simpler whole-number examples first and then return to the decimals.
Curriculum Standards
This worksheet supports CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.5, which asks students to understand solving an equation as finding values that make the equation true. It also connects with CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.7 by building early experience solving one-step equations. Decimal computation within the problems additionally reinforces CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.3.