Simple Sums Puzzle
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Check out this simple sums puzzle if you are looking for a fun opening activity or a brain break. Insert any of the following signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide, or parentheses) between any numbers on the left of the equations to make them correct. You may join numbers on the left together if you wish: e.g., 3 6 may become 36.
I ran across this simple sums puzzle in the RadioTimes Brainbox Puzzle Book 2 by Clive Doig.
I typed up the directions on a single sheet of paper. Then, I typed up the three equations on another sheet. I printed it on colored paper and then cut it apart into three separate strips.
I put magnets on the back of the equation strips, but you easily tape them up or staple them up based on how/where you were posting the puzzle.
Want even more puzzles for your classroom? Check out my puzzles page!
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!
Sarah Carter,
I love your puzzles. The more I struggle to solve them, the more fun! Lol.
When I was a little girl, math was my favorite class, and Algebra was so much fun!
Anyway, this puzzle was tough until I figured how to solve it. Thank you for sharing these puzzles with all of us.
Diane