Year 6 Inverse Operations Lesson

**A ready-to-teach Year 6 inverse operations lesson focused on working backwards to solve multi-step missing number problems in KS2 maths.

This lesson develops pupils’ ability to reverse calculations step by step to find unknown values, strengthening their reasoning and problem-solving skills.**

This Year 6 maths lesson focuses on inverse operations and working backwards through multi-step calculations to solve missing number problems.

Pupils begin with structured inverse operation questions before progressing to more complex problems involving multiple steps and chained operations. The emphasis is on reversing each step carefully to identify the original value.

A small extension introduces a simple algebra-style question (e.g. 4x + 9 = 29), helping pupils make early connections between inverse operations and formal algebra, but the core focus remains on working backwards and reasoning.

Teachers can use the included Smart Notebook input slides to model strategies clearly and guide pupils through step-by-step examples before independent practice.

Pupils then complete a differentiated independent activity designed to support all learners while still providing appropriate challenge. The tasks build confidence with inverse operations, missing number problems and SATS-style reasoning questions.

This resource is ideal for Year 6 arithmetic revision, KS2 reasoning practice, SATS preparation, or targeted intervention sessions.

What’s Included
✔ Smart Notebook input slides for teacher modelling
✔ Differentiated independent worksheets (3 levels)
✔ Plenary task

Why Teachers Use This
✔ Ready-to-teach lesson with no planning required
✔ Builds confidence with inverse operations step by step
✔ Develops working backwards problem-solving skills
✔ Supports SATS-style missing number questions
✔ Includes light introduction to algebraic thinking

Lesson Breakdown
✔ Input: Teacher modelling of inverse operation strategies
✔ Guided Practice: Working backwards through multi-step problems
✔ Independent Task: Differentiated worksheets (3 levels)
✔ Extension: Simple algebra-style missing number problem