Math Valentine Square Puzzle
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This math valentine square puzzle combines cheesy mathematical valentines with a square edge-matching puzzle. Can you correctly assemble the pieces to create a 3×3 square?
This math-themed Valentine’s Day puzzle was inspired by the classic 9-piece scramble squares puzzles which can be purchased with different themes. The goal of these puzzles is to assemble the pieces in a 3×3 square by correctly matching the edges of each puzzle piece.
This type of puzzle is considered an edge-matching puzzle.
I had a lot of fun learning how to make this puzzle. I first started creating it in Microsoft Publisher which is my go-to program for creating files for my classroom. But I ended up making it in LaTeX. This project required a bit more coding skills than my only previous LaTeX projects – my mystery coordinate plane tangram puzzles.
This puzzle is just one of many printable edge-matching puzzles that I have created for my own classroom and am sharing with you!
Be sure to check out my entire collection of free hands-on puzzles.
Looking for more Valentine’s Day activities and puzzles for your classroom? Here’s a few examples of the other Valentine activities I have created.
Instructions
After printing the math valentine square puzzle, cut apart the 9 pieces. Assemble them into a 3×3 grid so that the puzzle pieces match along each edge.
Ideas for Modifying the Puzzle
Looking to make the puzzle a bit easier? My best advice for modifying this puzzle would be to tell students which piece is in the top corner of the solved puzzle.
Math Valentine Conversation Hearts
When the puzzle is solved correctly, these four different math-themed conversation hearts will be formed throughout the puzzle.
I decided that these conversation hearts would make cute posters to hang up around a math classroom on Valentine’s Day, so I enlarged them to create free printable math valentine posters.
Free Download of Math Valentine Square Puzzle
Click here to Download
Math Valentine Square Puzzle (PDF)
3212 downloads – 800.62 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!
