It takes a few minutes to figure out how it works but it is fun once you work it out. Basically, it gives you a target goal with several numbers that you apply operations to so you get as close to your target goal.
One of my puzzles had a target goal of 195 with the numbers 2, 3,5, 10, 15, 25. The idea is that I take two numbers and perform an operation. I might start with 3 x 10 = 30 and the window will show the equation. Then I might do 2 x 15 = 30 and again the equation will appear in the side window. I can then take the sums and add them together to make 60. Then I might multiply 25 x 5 to get 125 and add the 60 to 125 to get 185. I am aiming for 195 so I am 10 off and I can try again.
I decided to try 25 x 5 = 125 and then multiplied the 125 by 2 to get 250. I multiplied 15 by 3 to get 45 and then did 250 - 45 = 205. The last equation was 205 - 10 = 195. Just after I finished the wrong attempt, I realized that I needed to go higher and work down rather than trying to work up.
For the daily puzzles, there are 5 puzzles you work your way through. I had 94, 251, 382, and 456, so it starts with the smallest number and works through the numbers up to the highest. You can earn up to 3 stars for each solution that you make and you do get stars for getting as close as possible.
I noticed that as long as I do not submit my attempt, it doesn't seem to count so I can use the undo button as many times as needed to go back to the beginning and try again. I find this helps me eliminate possibilities in my brain.
This is something you could use in your classroom for older students to help them develop a better number sense. Give it a try and let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great weekend..
