Sometimes, solving problems on paper can get quite boring, but learning should be fun! This week, we wanted to share a few games and exercises that can help improve your math as well. We hope these games can help you practice a variety of skills, such as mental math, problem solving, and logic!
Most of the games we suggest are designed for elementary and middle school.
24 Challenge/Make 24
This is a great game that uses mental math and quick thinking skills. The goal of the game is to make the number 24 out of four numbers using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Try to do it as quickly as possible and come up with as many different ways as possible!
You can find 24 challenge cards online, or you can come up with your own numbers!
Play it online on Cool Math Games or on 4 Numbers!
You can also find cards through images!
There is more than one way to solve this problem:
Here’s one method to make 24:
- 3 ÷ 3 = 1
- 5 – 1 = 4
- 4 × 6 + 24
see if you can find another way!
If that card was too easy, try timing yourself to see how many cards you can solve in under one minute. For harder problems, look for the dots on the card. They represent the level of difficulty (three is the hardest). You can also try to make 24 using fractions and decimals, or use double digits.
try this one that has a fraction! 
difficulty level: 2 
difficulty level: 3
Kakuro
One of my favorite games is Kakuro, which is a combination of Sudoku and a crossword puzzle. In this game, you have to use problem solving and mental math to complete the puzzle. You can try out the game on Cool Math Games. For information on this game, including rules, solving strategies, and even more puzzles visit Kakuro.com
You can also print out a puzzle by visiting one of these websites:
Cool Math Games
This is a great website that offers a variety of interactive games that help you improve and practice a variety of skills. Click here to explore their games!
Here’s some of our favorite games:
- Calculate This! – solve problems and collect coins
- Crazy Taxi – practice times tables while driving through a busy street
- Math Man – just like Pac Man, but make it math
Math Trainer
Math trainer is a professional website that helps improve the brains thinking abilities and with help you with improving your mental math skills. Math trainer is allowing free access to everyone during April as it is the perfect time for you to keep your math mind in shape. Explore this website here
Sudoku
We’re sure most of you have heard of the game Sudoku, but for those of you who haven’t, it’s one of our favorite ways to practice problem solving and logic!
Sudoku is a puzzle that you fill-in using numbers 1-9.
Click here for more information on the rules of the game, and here for easy strategies and tips to follow!
Like all games, it might seem intimidating at first. However, the more puzzles you do, the easier they get – as well as more addicting to play!
Choose from any of the following websites to play Sudoku (in all levels of difficulty)
Or for printable puzzles…
Apps
Not everyone has access to a computer, so here are a couple of entertaining apps that you can access on your phone or tablet!
The Quizopedia: Quizopedia is an app that allows you to study all your fundamental classes including math and will help you train during the process. Click here to download on the Google Play Store and here for iOS
Math Rocket: Math rocket increases your brain processing speed with simple math questions.
Speed Math: A quick and easy way to train your brain
Doodle Maths: Doodle math builds your math confidence and ability and is tailored to improve your math. Click here to download for iOS and Android!
Quick Maths: Quick math is perfect for students to improve their all-round mathematics ability.
