Picture Equation Puzzles: Find the Hidden Values

This picture equation worksheet contains three puzzles. Each has two clue equations, spaces to record picture values, and a final equation combining groups of those pictures. An identical picture keeps the same value within its puzzle. Some clues and final totals go beyond 10, so this page suits a child ready to reason about equal groups and related addition or subtraction facts.

Begin with the clue that repeats one picture, using equal groups to find its value. Then substitute that value into the other clue to work out the second picture. In the first puzzle, the two picture values are 1 and 5. Use those values consistently when solving the final combination, counting every repeated picture as another copy of its value.

An adult can cover the other puzzles and talk through one clue at a time. Counters or small drawn groups make it easier to show why two or three identical pictures represent equal amounts. Check a proposed value by putting it back into both clues. When the clues agree, calculate the final total and explain how the pictured groups were combined.

Continue with related activities in the Addition and Subtraction Pack. The number reference library offers another look at the numerals and quantities used in early math. Choose a few questions that the child can discuss comfortably, then return to the page during another short practice session. A useful next step is asking the child to explain one answer using a different drawing or a small group of counters.