🔢 MathLevel 1Lesson 33
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Solving Simple Math Puzzles

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Find the missing number in a number sentence
  • 2Spot the rule in a number pattern
  • 3Use logical thinking to solve simple math puzzles
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Mini Lesson

A math puzzle is a problem where you have to think carefully and use what you already know to find a hidden answer. Puzzles are fun because there is always a trick to unlock them!

Type 1 — Missing number puzzles

  • A box or blank hides a number in a number sentence.
  • Example: 3 + ☐ = 7 → Think: 3 + what = 7? Count on from 3 to 7 — that is 4.
  • Check: put your answer back in. 3 + 4 = 7 ✓
  • Works for subtraction too: ☐ − 2 = 5 → Think: what − 2 = 5? The answer is 7. Check: 7 − 2 = 5 ✓

Type 2 — Number pattern puzzles

  • Look at the numbers and find the rule — what is being added or subtracted each time?
  • Example: 2, 4, 6, ☐, 10 → Rule: +2 each time → missing number is 8.
  • Example: 10, 8, 6, ☐, 2 → Rule: −2 each time → missing number is 4.

Puzzle-solving steps

  1. Step 1: Read the puzzle carefully.
  2. Step 2: Decide what type of puzzle it is.
  3. Step 3: Use what you know (addition, subtraction, patterns) to find the answer.
  4. Step 4: Always check your answer by substituting it back in.
Two missing number puzzle examples with step by step solutionsTop puzzle: 3 plus box equals 7. Step shown: count on from 3 to 7 is 4 steps. Answer box shows 4 with a check. Bottom puzzle: box minus 2 equals 5. Step shown: 5 plus 2 equals 7. Answer box shows 7 with a check.Missing Number PuzzlesPuzzle 1: 3 + ☐ = 7345674 ✓Puzzle 2: ☐ − 2 = 5Think: 5 + 2 = ?5 + 2 = 7, so ☐ = 7Check: 7 − 2 = 5 ✓7 ✓
Two missing number puzzles solved step by step — counting on for addition, and using the inverse operation for subtraction.
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Can I find the missing number and then check it by substituting it back? Can I spot the rule in a pattern before I fill in the blank?

Vocabulary
Puzzle
A problem you have to think about to solvee.g. 3 + ☐ = 7 is a math puzzle.
Missing number
The hidden number that goes in the blank or boxe.g. The missing number in 3 + ☐ = 7 is 4.
Pattern
Numbers that follow a repeating rulee.g. 2, 4, 6, 8 is a pattern.
Rule
How much you add or subtract each time in a patterne.g. The rule for 2, 4, 6 is +2.
Check
To put your answer back in to see if it workse.g. I check by trying 4: 3 + 4 = 7.
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