Lesson 113: Solving simple math puzzles

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟠 E. Problem Solving & Projects

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Objective

I can solve simple math puzzles that use numbers, pictures, and patterns. I can find missing numbers, finish number patterns, and use clues to decide which answer makes the puzzle correct.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What is a math puzzle?

A math puzzle is like a little mystery that you solve with numbers and clues. You look, think, and try ideas until the puzzle makes sense.

Missing-number puzzles

  • Sometimes we see a number sentence like 3 + ? = 8.
  • The ? is the missing number.
  • We think, "What number works here?" (3 + 5 = 8).

Balance puzzles

  • We imagine a balance scale that needs to stay equal.
  • For example, 4 + 2 on one side and ? + 3 on the other side.
  • We look for a number that makes both sides have the same total.

Pattern puzzles

  • We look at a pattern like 2, 4, 6, 8, ?.
  • We ask, "How is it changing?" (it goes up by 2).
  • Then we can finish the pattern (2, 4, 6, 8, 10).

Using clues

  • A good puzzle gives clues in the numbers or pictures.
  • We look, think, and check our answers.
  • It is okay to try, fix, and try again. That is how puzzle solvers learn.

When you solve math puzzles, say each puzzle out loud, use your counters if you need to, and explain your thinking in a short sentence.

Picture strip: Three kinds of puzzles.

Missing number

Balance puzzle

Pattern puzzle

Guided Practice — Try a small puzzle set

You will try three small puzzles. Use your counters or blocks to help you think. Then use the tracing pad to write your favourite puzzle words.

  1. Puzzle 1 (missing number):
    Build 3 blocks. Then add blocks until you have 8 blocks. Count how many you added. That is the missing number in 3 + ? = 8.
  2. Puzzle 2 (balance):
    Put 4 blocks on one side and 2 more. On the other side, put 3 blocks and then add blocks until both sides look equal. Count how many blocks you added.
  3. Puzzle 3 (pattern):
    Make a line of blocks: 2, 4, 6, 8 (you can use two colours to show pairs). Ask, "What comes next?" and build the next number in the pattern.
  4. Say your step:
    For one puzzle, tell a grown-up how you solved it using the words step and check. Example: "My first step was to count. Then I checked the total."
  5. Use the tracing pad:
    Choose two puzzle words from the tracing pad (for example, puzzle and solve) and trace them. Under the words, draw a tiny picture of your favourite puzzle.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: After you trace a word like puzzle, write one short puzzle under it, such as "3 + ? = 7" and draw the blocks you would use to solve it.

Practice 1 — Number puzzles

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 1]

Practice 2 — Pattern puzzles

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 2]

Practice 3 — Mixed puzzles

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 3]

Quick Check — Solving simple math puzzles

Answer each question. Use your puzzle skills: look for clues, think about the pattern, and check your answer.

1) What number makes this true?
3 + ? = 7

3 + 4 = 7, so the missing number is 4.

2) What number makes this true?
9 − ? = 5

9 − 4 = 5, so the missing number is 4.

3) Look at the pattern:
2, 4, 6, 8, ?
What comes next?

The pattern goes up by 2 each time, so 8 + 2 = 10.

4) Look at the pattern:
10, 9, 8, 7, ?
What comes next?

The pattern goes down by 1 each time, so 7 − 1 = 6.

5) A puzzle says:
5 + 3 = ?
What is the answer?

5 + 3 = 8, so the puzzle answer is 8.

6) The number pattern is: 1, 2, __, 4. Which number is missing?

The numbers go up by 1 each time: 1, 2, 3, 4. The missing number is 3.

7) A puzzle says:
□ + 5 = 9
What number is in the box?

4 + 5 = 9, so the box is 4.

8) Look at the pattern:
1, 3, 5, 7, ?
What comes next?

The pattern goes up by 2 each time, so 7 + 2 = 9.

9) A puzzle picture shows 5 apples. The clue says, "Add 2 more."
How many apples now?

5 + 2 = 7 apples.

10) A puzzle says:
10 − 6 = ?
What is the answer?

10 − 6 = 4.

11) Look at the pattern:
5, 10, 15, ?
What comes next?

The pattern goes up by 5 each time, so 15 + 5 = 20.

12) A puzzle says:
7 + ? = 7
What number is missing?

7 + 0 = 7, so the missing number is 0.

13) A puzzle has this clue:
"I am one more than 8."
What number is the puzzle talking about?

One more than 8 is 9.

14) Which word is a puzzle word that helps you solve problems?

A clue is a little piece of information that helps you solve a puzzle.

15) When you finish a puzzle, what is a good thing to do?

Good puzzle solvers check their answers and explain how they solved the puzzle.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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