🔢 MathGrade 3Lesson 39
← Back🔒 PDF with full access

Math Puzzle Day

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

  • 1Apply mathematical reasoning to solve number puzzles
  • 2Use logical thinking to explore patterns and challenges
📘

Mini Lesson

Puzzles make us think carefully and use all our math skills! Today we explore four fun puzzle types: number riddles, magic squares, pattern challenges, and logic grids. Each one requires you to think logically and try different strategies.

Puzzle Types

  • Number riddle: read the clues and work out the mystery number.
  • Magic square: arrange numbers so every row, column, and diagonal adds to the same total.
  • Pattern challenge: find the rule and predict what comes next.
  • Logic grid: use given facts to work out which items belong together.

Problem-Solving Strategies

  1. Read carefully — underline key clues.
  2. Try a simpler version first.
  3. Work backwards from the answer.
  4. Use guess and check.
  5. Draw a diagram or table.
3x3 magic square with numbers 1-9, all lines sum to 15A 3 by 3 grid containing the numbers 2, 7, 6, 9, 5, 1, 4, 3, 8 arranged so every row, column and diagonal adds to 15.Magic Square — all lines = 15!276951438= 15= 15= 15Every row, column and diagonal adds to 15!
Number riddle: I am between 40 and 50, divisible by 7. The answer is 42.A step-by-step number riddle. The number is between 40 and 50 and divisible by 7. Step 1 lists multiples of 7: 35, 42, 49. Step 2 finds which is between 40 and 50: 42.Number RiddleI am between 40 and 50.I am divisible by 7. What am I?Step 1: Multiples of 735, 42, 49, 56...Step 2: Between 40 and 5042 is the answer!7 x 6 = 42
💡

For a magic square with numbers 1-9, the magic total is always 15. The center number must be 5!

Vocabulary
Puzzle
A tricky problem that takes thinking to solvee.g. My math puzzle had hidden numbers.
Strategy
A smart plan for solving a probleme.g. My strategy is to look for patterns.
Pattern
Something that repeats in a regular waye.g. The puzzle had a pattern of even numbers.
Logic
Careful step-by-step thinkinge.g. I used logic to find the missing piece.
Solve
To find an answer to a probleme.g. I solved the riddle in two minutes.
Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.

  • ✓ All 1,680 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
  • ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
  • ✓ Printable lessons with answer key
Start your 7-day free trial →
Already convinced? See full membership plans →
← Lesson 38: Measurement Scavenger HuntLesson 40: End-of-Year Math Fair →