1-6 Multiplication Pair Puzzles (3×3 Grid)
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You’ll need logic and multiplication skills to solve these free printable 1-6 multiplication pair puzzles that involve placing numbers on a 3×3 grid.
What is a Multiplication Pair Puzzle?
A multiplication pair puzzle consists of a square grid where specified numbers (written in the lower right-hand corner of the grid) must be placed in the grid so that two numbers are in every single row and every single column. These pairs of numbers must have a product equivalent to the shaded numbers in each row and column.
Here is a sample Multiplication Pair Puzzle that utilizes the numbers 1-8. Note that there are two numbers in each row and two numbers in each column.
SAMPLE PUZZLE
SAMPLE SOLUTION
I discovered these multiplication puzzles on a Turkish website under the name “Çarpmaca” (the Turkish word for multiplication) and quickly discovered that these are a popular logic puzzle across Turkey. I enjoyed the logical process of solving a few of them, so I decided it was time for them to make their way to the English-speaking world.
Instructions for 3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles (1-6)
Place the numbers 1-6 in the grid one time each so that each row contains two numbers and each column contains two numbers. The numbers in the shaded squares represent the product of the numbers in that row or column of the grid.
Printing Options
In total, there are 25 of these 1-6 multiplication pair puzzles. The puzzles can be printed either 4 to a page or 1 to a page.
The 4 to a page version is perfect for printing for your own personal puzzle solving or if you want to hand this out as a “worksheet” of sorts in your classroom.
The 1 to a page version is perfect for placing in dry erase pockets or laminating and giving students 1 puzzle at a time to solve as a station activity. I have created movable number tile pieces that can be cut out and placed on top of the grid.
Looking for a fun way to get your students to practice their multiplication facts?
My husband created this SpeedMult multiplication facts game for students at his school to utilize as part of their study skills coursework.
Can you beat my high score of 67?
Files for 3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles
These 3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles (1-6) are available to print as a PDF file and an editable PowerPoint file. Additionally, they are available in 1 to a page format and 4 to a page format.
PDF – 4 to a Page
Click here to SAVE the file to your device.3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles – 4 to a Page (PDF)
98 saves – 76.84 KB
PDF – 1 to a Page
Click here to SAVE the file to your device.3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles – 1 to a Page (PDF)
25 saves – 120.82 KB
Editable PPT (in ZIP Folder)
Click here to SAVE the file to your device.3×3 Multiplication Pair Puzzles – Editable Files (PPT in ZIP)
13 saves – 662.80 KB
Puzzle Solutions
Puzzle solutions are available on a password-protected solution page. I do not openly post the puzzle answer keys because one of my goals as a resource creator is to craft learning experiences for students that are non-google-able. I want teachers to be able to use these puzzles in their classrooms without the solutions being found easily on the Internet.
Please email me at sarah@mathequalslove.net for the password to the answer key database featuring all of my printable puzzles and math worksheets. I frequently have students emailing me for the answer key, so please specify in your email what school you teach at and what subjects you teach. If you do not provide these details, I will not be able to send you the password.
Not a teacher? Go ahead and send me an email as well. Just let me know what you are using the puzzles for. I am continually in awe of how many people are using these puzzles with scouting groups, with senior adults battling dementia, or as fun activities in their workplace. Just give me enough details so I know you are not a student looking for answers to the puzzle that was assigned as their homework!
