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Make Six Puzzle – Number Challenge

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1 Desmos Version of Make Six Challenge
2 Free Download of Make Six Puzzle Challenge
3 Puzzle Solutions

I don’t know the exact origin of this Make Six Puzzle/Number Challenge, but I knew as soon as I saw it that I had to turn it into a resource I could use in my high school math classroom.

make six puzzle.

In this Make Six Puzzle, you are given eight equations. You must insert mathematical symbols (no digits) to make each equation equal six. If you are wondering what mathematical symbols you are allowed to use, that is up to you!

Make Six Puzzle - Number Challenge

The only restriction is that you cannot add any digits to the equation. This includes adding exponents.

make six puzzle number challenge

I first featured the puzzle in Volume 66 of Monday Must Reads. Tierney Kennedy shared this puzzle after seeing it on LinkedIn of all places.

tweet of make six puzzle on linkedin.
Image Source: https://twitter.com/kennedy_tierney/status/1309620053847941120
 

In the comments of that twitter thread, 1to9puzzle [SPOILER ALERT – this link includes discussion of solutions] shared that they had run across the puzzle three years previously and had shared it on their twitter account.

As a result, I’m not sure exactly who to credit with the puzzle. If anyone knows of a source, I would love for you to share so I can share more details with my readers!

Make Six Puzzle - Number Challenge
Make Six Puzzle - Number Challenge
Make Six Puzzle - Number Challenge

Desmos Version of Make Six Challenge

Kathy Henderson shared a Desmos version of this activity. Students use the sketch tools to complete the challenge.

Make Six Puzzle - Number Challenge

Puzzle Solutions

I intentionally do not make answers to the printable math puzzles I share on my blog available online because I strive to provide learning experiences for my students that are non-google-able. I would like other teachers to be able to use these puzzles in their classrooms as well without the solutions being easily found on the Internet.

However, I do recognize that us teachers are busy people and sometimes need to quickly reference an answer key to see if a student has solved a puzzle correctly or to see if they have interpreted the instructions properly.

If you are a teacher who is using these puzzles in your classroom, please send me an email at sarah@mathequalslove.net with information about what you teach and where you teach. I will be happy to forward an answer key to you.

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, as fun activities in their workplace, or as a birthday party escape room.

Sarah Carter teaches high school math in her hometown of Coweta, Oklahoma. She currently teaches AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and Statistics. She is passionate about sharing creative and hands-on teaching ideas with math teachers around the world through her blog, Math = Love.

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93 Comments

  9. Hi! I am so excited to use this with my students! Would you also email me an answer key? Thanks!

  11. Can you please send me the key? We are stuck on one 😛 My class really enjoyed the challenge.

  12. Yes please for me too. I LOVE your website, your story and the inspiring energy you bring to maths.

  16. Hi there! Thanks for sharing such fantastic resources. Can you send me the key to this? Thanks so much!

  18. Just seen this on Twitter. Excellent resource thank you. Can I have the answer key too please?

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