9-10-11-12 Challenge
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The 9-10-11-12 Challenge is actually four puzzles in one. Can you arrange the numbers 1 through 6 in the spaces of the triangular shape below so that each side sums to 9? Repeat the challenge for sums of 10, 11, and 12.
I learned of this challenge from a collection of brainteasers that is no longer online. Luckily, an archived version of the website still exists.
They called the activity “Stop Clownin’ Around.” I didn’t really want to keep the balloon theme, so I renamed it the 9-10-11-12 Challenge.
Pre-pandemic, when I originally typed this puzzle up, I planned to use it on my puzzle table with laminated number pieces for students to move around.
The template above will work for each part of the 9-10-11-12 Challenge, but I decided to go ahead and make separate challenges as well.
I’ve recently learned that these puzzles are actually known as Magic Triangle Puzzles since each side of the triangle adds up to the same value. These are similar to Magic Square Puzzles.
Digital Versions of 9-10-11-12 Challenge
Since we still seem to be living in a pandemic, I also created a digital version of the 9-10-11-12 Challenge in Google Slides.
I got a little too excited when making this and decided that each challenge needed its own color.
Here’s the link to make a copy of this google slides version of the 9-10-11-12 Challenge.
Want more puzzles? Check out my puzzles page!
Free Download of PDF Version of 9-10-11-12 Challenge
Click here to Download
9-10-11-12 Challenge (PDF)
4695 downloads – 73.50 KB
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9-10-11-12 Challenge (Editable Publisher File ZIP)
1761 downloads – 75.09 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!
