Math Lab Activity

– Number Clue 

Objective:

The goal of this activity is to solve a number puzzle by using clues to eliminate numbers and identify the one number that satisfies all the given clues.

Materials Needed:

• Clue cards (containing information to help solve the puzzle)
• Number cards (to be placed face-up in the middle of the group)
• Scorecard (numbered 1 to 4) to record answers for each game

Game Play:

1. Receive your clue cards. If there are more clue cards than players, some players may get two cards. Place the number cards face up in the center of the group. The scorecard is labeled 1 to 4 and will be used to record your answers for four games.

2. Game 1: If you have Clue #1, read it aloud and use the information to remove numbers from the center that don’t match the clue.

3. Game 1: If you have Clue #2, read it aloud and use the information to remove more numbers from the center.

4. Game 1: Continue taking turns reading clues and eliminating numbers until only one number remains in the center and all clues have been read.

5. Check that the remaining number satisfies all the clues given. Record your answer on the scorecard.

6. Game 2-4: Receive a new set of cards to start each new game. Follow steps 2-5 for each game.

7. After playing all four games, tally up the points for correct answers on your scorecard.

Remember, the goal is to work together, solve clues, and eliminate numbers to find the correct answer. Good luck and have fun!

Sample Number Clue Games for Whole Numbers:

Sample 1: Number Possibilities: 54 60 135 75 180

Number Clues:

Clue #1: It has 5 as a factor.
Clue #2: It is a multiple of 3.
Clue #3: It is not a multiple of 10.
Clue #4: The sum of the digits is 9.

Sample 2: Number Possibilities: 36 72 216 716 63

Number Clues:

Clue #1: It has 4 as a factor.
Clue #2: It is a multiple of 9.
Clue #3: The product of the digits is greater than 12.
Clue #4: It has exactly nine factors.

Ignite Your Mathematical Mind:

• Provided at the end of this chapter is a complete ‘‘Number Clue Activity’’ consisting of four games, complete with cutout numbers and clues that can be photocopied.
• Make up their own clues for a set of numbers.