Puzzles and Riddles

Learning Goals:

  • Build a deeper understanding of the multiplication operation
  • Develop and apply reasoning skills to make and test math predictions
  • Determine the missing numbers in equations

The Challenge:

These coloured shapes each stand for a number from 0 – 12.
(Not every number is included, as there are only 11 shapes)
Each shape is a different number.

Can you work out which number each shape represents?
Which two numbers were left out? Why do you think they weren’t included?

Questions and Prompts to Support your Child:

  • Which shape did you figure out first?
  • Which numbers have you used so far? What could we test together?

Extensions & Adaptations:

  • If having trouble getting going, try starting with the purple squares – doubles will unlock a lot of possibilities!
  • Check out Mashup Math for some more algebraic puzzles

Source: NRICH Math