Working backwards is a skill that can be very helpful in solving math problems with many events. It is also handy for coming up with a solution for problems with missing information that is usually presented at the beginning. There are two ways to do this: Using the opposite operation when working backwards When you are solving a problem, try starting at the end and working backwards. Any mathematical operations you come across will need to be reversed. This means if the problem requires you to add something, then you must subtract when working backwards. Example: Paul is four years older than Antonio, but Kaya is two years younger than Antonio. If Kaya is 8 years old, how old is Paul? Solution: Kaya is eight years old. Kaya is two years younger than Antonio. Antonio's age - 2 = 8 So, when using the opposite operation, subtraction becomes addition