Twos Challenge
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Can you solve the Twos Challenge? Can you use exactly four twos and your choice of arithmetical symbols to form the target numbers?
Even though Twosday (2/22/22) was nine months ago, I still have lots of blog traffic to the Twosday Challenge. I decided it was time to share a version of the challenge that could be used on any day of the year.
This puzzle is just one of many free printable number challenges that I have created for my own classroom and am sharing with you!
Be sure to check out my entire collection of free printable math puzzles.
What is the Twos Challenge?
Using exactly four twos, add arithmetical symbols between the twos to make each of the target numbers. You may use plus, minus, times, and divide symbols, as well as parentheses and brackets for grouping.
This a fun twist on the classic Four Fours Challenge.
Source of Challenge
I discovered this challenge based on the number two in Pierre Berloquin’s 100 Numerical Games book.
I picked up a copy of the book several years ago at Goodwill, and it has inspired numerous classroom activities over the years.
The 20 x 9 Challenge was also inspired by this same collection of puzzles.
Ideas for Using in Class
I have previously used this challenge with students on the first day of school as part of the Twos to Nines Challenge. I put challenges up for each of the numbers from two to nine around the classroom for students to tackle.
I created a printable template for the twos challenge that already has the four twos written in. Students just have to add various mathematical symbols to make each expression mathematically correct.
For puzzles like this, I usually only print a class set of copies in order to save paper. I prefer to give my students these puzzles in a dry erase pocket. You can pick them at places like Dollar Tree and Target’s Dollar Spot, but I’ve found they are much cheaper when you buy a classroom set from somewhere like Amazon.
MATH = LOVE RECOMMENDS…
I cannot imagine teaching math without my dry erase pockets! They instantly make any activity more engaging and save me countless hours at the copy machine since I can use the same class sets of copies year after year.
Here are my current go-to recommendations:
If you don’t have a classroom set of dry erase pockets, you could also use heavy duty sheet protectors. But, I highly recommend investing in a classroom set of the pockets since they are so much more durable.
Here’s an example of this puzzle in a dry erase pocket when I used it for Twosday.
Free Download of Twos Challenge
The Twos Challenge is available to download in both PDF format and as an editable Publisher file. To edit the Publisher file, you will need to make sure you have Microsoft Publisher installed on your computer.
Click here to Download
Twos Challenge (PDF)
5010 downloads – 51.11 KB
Click here to Download
Twos Challenge (Editable Publisher File ZIP)
1707 downloads – 55.56 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!
