Math Puzzles

Three kinds of number puzzles, with a new one every time: fill a magic square so every line adds to the same total, complete a number pyramid where each brick is the sum of the two below it, or choose the missing signs to make an equation true.

How to play

1. Choose a puzzle type and a level.
2. Type numbers in the empty boxes, or pick the signs from the drop-downs.
3. Press Check. Wrong boxes are outlined in red. New puzzle gives you another one.

Magic squares

In a 3 × 3 magic square using 1 to 9, every row, column and diagonal adds to 15, and the center is always 5. Why 15? The numbers 1 to 9 add to 45, and the three rows share that total equally: 45 ÷ 3 = 15. Harder levels multiply every number and add a constant, which keeps the square magic.

Number pyramids

Each brick equals the sum of the two bricks under it. Work upward by adding. When a bottom brick is missing, work downward by subtracting: if the brick above is 12 and its other support is 5, the missing one is 7.

Missing signs

Choose +, −, × or ÷ for each gap so the equation is true. Remember the order of operations: × and ÷ first, then + and − from left to right. For 6 ? 3 ? 2 = 4, the answer is 6 ÷ 3 + 2 = 4.

Number puzzle quiz: 10 questions

Test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions. Choose an answer and press Submit to see if you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.

Frequently asked questions

Are these math puzzles good for kids?

Yes. The easy level suits upper elementary students; medium and hard add bigger numbers, missing bottom bricks and division.

Can a puzzle have more than one answer?

Missing-sign puzzles sometimes do, and any true equation is accepted. Magic squares and pyramids are checked by their rules.

Why is the magic constant 15?

The numbers 1 to 9 sum to 45, and the three rows split that evenly: 15 each.

Can I print these puzzles?

Use your browser's print option, or try the math worksheet generator for printable sheets.

How are puzzles generated?

At random each time, so you can keep practicing without repeats.

Sources

• Wolfram MathWorld: Magic Square

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