Backward Number Chains: Find the Start
A free printable backward number chains: find the start worksheet with an answer key. Only the last number is given. Work backward with the opposite operation to fill every circle. Great for 3rd grade practice at home or in class.
- Size
- US Letter (8.5 × 11 in), fits A4
- 2 pages: the worksheet and its answer key
- Level
- Grade 3
- License
- Free for personal & classroom use
About this worksheet
A free printable backward number chains: find the start worksheet with an answer key. Only the last number is given. Work backward with the opposite operation to fill every circle. Third graders can use it for practice, review or a quick check before a test.
Tips for using it
- Point at each arrow as you go and say the step out loud: 'twelve, plus three, fifteen'.
- Write small helper numbers next to the circle when a step crosses ten, then erase them.
- When a chain has x and รท, slow down and check that each answer looks reasonable before moving on.
Printing tips
Download the PDF and print at 100% (or “fit to page” on A4). Page 1 is the worksheet and page 2 is the answer key with the answers in red; print just page 1 if you want to keep the answers for checking. The PNG shows page 1 only. Free for personal, family and classroom use.
