These missing operator worksheets for addition and subtraction are great for helping students learn fact families and for differentiating between addition and subtraction. They are a great supporting resources when addition and subtraction facts are introduced in 1st grade, 2nd grade or 3rd grade.
Addition and subtraction math facts can be a challenge to learn (or teach!) especially when they are first mixed together. A good way to develop fluency is to practice math fact families, where both operations are combined. But often, this is a large step even for students who have each fact memorized. They will often encountered a math fact with 7 and 2, and be unclear if the answer should be 9 or 5 depending on whether they are in 'addition mode' or 'subtraction mode' at the time.
These missing operation worksheets are a gentle way to overcome this bias when learning addition and subtraction facts in first grade through third grade. Give them a try after the basic math fact worksheets before moving to the mixed addition and subtraction pages.
When you're ready for more, move yourself on to these fact family worksheets!