Though most of us might not like maths, we all need to admit that no subject is as enjoyable as Mathematics. You need to put all your intelligence and witty tactic into solving a maths riddle.
No one can do away without mathematics. No matter which profession a student takes up, mathematical skills are essential to come to a certain conclusion.
Making the children solve tricky riddles will condition their analytical skills and sharpen their ability to think intelligently.
Prepare the riddling sums so that the students don’t get scared but find interest in solving. It is all about crafting the question in the most engaging way possible.
Benefits Of Tricky Maths Puzzles
- Build the capacity of strategic thinking in children
- Enhances the concentration of the kids
- Boost the spatial skills of the students
- Ensure a proper brain development of the children
Now, we will share with you some tricky maths puzzles with answers based on which you can model the question paper for your students.
#1: Hen And Egg
Suppose a half and a hen hatch an egg and then half in one and a half-day. Now, calculate the total eggs that half a dozen hens have laid in half a dozen days.
The answer will be two dozen. This is because if you introduce a four times increase in the total number of hens and the total time available, the total number of eggs will increase by 16 times. Quite intriguing, right? Hope you have got it!
#2: Mind-boggling Numbers
If I add six to eleven, I get five. Now, tell me, how is this correct?
Now, that is quite a tricky bump, isn’t it?
You need to think deeply with a broader approach and consider various aspects. Take the element of time, and add 6 hours to 11 am; what do you get? 5 pm! That’s what it is!
#3: Two Brothers’ Conversation
Once, an elder brother said about his younger sibling that two years before, he himself was three times older than his younger brother was. After three years, the elder brother will be twice as old as his brother. Find out how old they are now.
This type of maths riddle can be easily solved by using even numbers. Take a cue from the given information: the elder brother will be twice as old as his brother in three years’ time. So, the older brother being at 8, 11, and 14 is easily ruled out. It can be understood that the older brother has to be 17 and the younger brother 7.
So, two years ago, they were 15 and 5 respectively. Therefore, the elder brother will be 20 years old in three years’ time, and the younger brother will be ten years old. It is the quality of good teachers to include puzzles and other activities in their classrooms.
#4: Missing Number In The Puzzle
2+3= 8
3+7= 27
4+5= 32
5+8= 60
6+7= 72
7+8=?
Find Out The Missing Number!
The answer will be 98.
But how?
Let’s see what is the logic of this puzzle.
2+3= 8
Now, 3+7= (7+2)x3 = 27
4+5= (5+3)x4= 32
5+8= (8+4)x5= 60
6+7= (7+5)x6= 72
So, the answer 98 can be obtained in this number.
7+8= (8+6)x7= 98.
Now, that was a bit tricky, wasn’t it?
#5: A monkey is attempting to climb a coconut tree. He moves 3 steps forward and then moves back 2 steps in the downward direction. 30 cm is each forward step, and 40 cm is in each backward step. In total, how many steps are needed to climb up a 100 cm tree?
The answer will be 50 steps.
Wondering how?
Well, let’s see what is the process of solving it.
When the monkey tries to climb up the tree:
The monkey climbs upward= 3×30 cm= 90 cm (multiplying by 3 steps)
The monkey glides downward= 2×40 cm= 80 cm (multiplying by 2 steps)
The total number of steps taken in each forward movement= (3+2) steps= 5 steps
When the monkey moves 1o cm upwards effectively: (90-80) cm= 10 cm
Therefore, 100 cm/10 cm=10
Now, it can be calculated that= 10×5 steps= 50 steps are needed for the monkey to climb the treetop.
Related: To learn more about 8 important Ims features for your e-learning program.
Conclusion
Incorporating these kinds of tricky maths puzzles in your method of teaching is definitely a fantastic idea.
Practicing these riddles will make the students love solving the problems, and they won’t feel scared of the subject anymore. But, forcing these riddles on an unwilling child is not a good idea. Let them learn at their own pace.
Growing love for any subject naturally is crucial.
Frame interesting questions and your students will surely be fond of solving the problem. Good luck in solving math riddles with your students!
