What does the term 'missing addends' refer to in the context of subtraction in mathematics?

The term 'missing addends' refers to identifying an addend that needs to be found to complete a sum. This concept is especially relevant in subtraction, where one can think of a subtraction problem as needing to find a missing part of a whole. For instance, if you know the total and one addend, you can determine the missing addend by subtracting the known addend from the total. This reinforces the relationship between addition and subtraction, enabling students to approach problems with a clearer understanding of how numbers interact.

The context of missing addends helps in building a fundamental skill in arithmetic, where recognizing that the process of subtraction essentially reveals an unknown that can be solved through addition. This understanding is crucial for developing numerical fluency and problem-solving skills in mathematics.