When you know the product (answer) and one factor, you can find the missing factor using division or the times table.
Example: ___ x 6 = 24. Think: what times 6 equals 24? 4 x 6 = 24, so the answer is 4.
Multiplication Facts (1-10) • Topic 3 of 3
Missing Factor Problems
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
___ x 7 = 35
SolutionThink: 7 x what = 35? Count by 7s: 7,14,21,28,35. Five 7s = 35. Answer: 5. Or: 35/7 = 5.
2
Worked Example
9 x ___ = 54
Solution54 / 9 = 6. Or count by 9s until you reach 54: 9,18,27,36,45,54 — that is 6 steps. Answer: 6.
3
Worked Example
___ x 8 = 72
Solution72 / 8 = 9. Check: 9 x 8 = 72. Answer: 9.
Key Points
- Missing factor = product / known factor.
- Use your times table knowledge to find the missing number.
- Always check: missing factor x known factor = product.
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.To find a missing factor, you ___ the product by the known factor.
Explanation: Divide.
Q2.$4\times\square=20$, so $\square=$
Explanation: $20\div4=5$.
Q3.$\square\times6=30$, so $\square=$
Explanation: $30\div6=5$.
Q4.Multiplication and division are:
Explanation: Related (inverse).