- 1). Solve number pattern puzzles by arranging numbers to satisfy objectives outlined in the directions. Sudoku is a pattern puzzle using a 9-by-9 grid subdivided into nine 3-by-3 grids. The objective is to place the numerals 1 through 9 into every row, column and 3-by-3 grid, using each digit only once in every section. Some of the numerals are already filled in on each puzzle. Solve the puzzle one column and one row at a time by placing numbers into the empty blocks that satisfy all the conditions of one digit per row, column and 3-by-3 grid. Use a pencil with a good eraser to make the necessary corrections as numbers plugged into the rows and columns will have to be rearranged to meet the objective for each grid. A link to free puzzles at WebSudoku.com is in the Resources section.
- 2). Solve math puzzles with tricky wording by separating the information and putting it all in the correct order. A cleverly deceptive word puzzle on Aims Education Foundation takes advantage of this premise. A link to the puzzle is featured in resources. One variation of the puzzle shows three girls at lunch together splitting a check for $25. They each give the waitress a $10 bill, totaling $30. She leaves 5 singles in change. The girls all take $1 back and leave a $2 tip. Each girl spent $9, equaling $27. The waitress received $2 dollars, adding up to $29. Find the missing dollar. The girls did each spend $9 dollars, but the $2 tip was part of it--$25 on lunch plus a $2 tip equals $27. Then they each kept a dollar--$27 plus $3 equals $30.
- 3). Solve a critical thinking puzzle using simple addition and subtraction. The kitchen cups puzzle on MathForum.org is a children's exercise that asks for a 1-cup measurement of water, using nothing but a 5-cup measuring cup and a 3-cup measuring cup. (Link provided in Resources.) Add 3 plus 3 to get 6, then subtract 5 from 6 to get 1 for the solution. Fill the 3-cup measuring cup and pour it into the container that holds 5 cups. Fill up the 3-cup measure again and use it to fill the remaining space in the 5-cup measure. The amount of water left in the 3-cup holder is 1 cup.
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