The document discusses various types of mathematical puzzles that test ingenuity and problem-solving skills, exploring concepts such as logic and calculation. It includes examples of puzzles, such as determining an odd-weighted coin using a balance and finding sets of numbers whose sum and product are equal. Additionally, it outlines ten ways to incorporate puzzles into math education for enhanced learning experiences.

1. Mathematics
PUZZLES
K.THIYAGU
Assistant Professor
Department of Education
Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod
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2. A puzzle is a game, problem, or toy that tests a person's ingenuity or
knowledge. In a puzzle, the solver is expected to put pieces together in a
logical way, in order to arrive at the correct or fun solution of the puzzle.
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3. Puzzle is a problem that test imagination, cleverness and skill of the solver.
Puzzles are often contrived as a form of Entertainment, But they can also
be considered as mathematical or logical problems in most of cases.
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4. A mathematical puzzle is related to mathematical facts and
objects, or whose solution needs serious mathematical arguments
or calculations.
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5. The wagon must travel a path that is given by a
mathematical function.
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6. Maze
Puzzle
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7. Maze
Puzzle
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8. Crossword
Puzzle
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10. Balance Puzzle
There are 9 coins, all except
one are the same weight, the
odd one is heavier than the
rest. You must determine which
is the odd one out using an old
fashioned balance. You may
use the balance twice.
Explain how this can be done.
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11. Put 1,2 & 3 on the left side and 4,5 &
6 on the right side. There are three
possible outcomes:
• scale tilts left - means the heavy
coin is in group 1,2 & 3
• scale tilts right - means the heavy
coin is in group 4,5 & 6
• scale balances - means the heavy
coin is in group 7,8 & 9
Using one weighing we have successfully
narrowed three groups down to one. If it's
not completely clear how we can make the
assumption that the bad coins is in group 7,8
& 9 when the scales balance, remember we
know there is a bad coin, there has to be, we
have eliminated the other two groups, it must
be in the third.
We need to do the same again and
we will arrive at the final coin. Lets
label the three coins we have
narrowed it down to as A, B & C. Not
strictly necessary but it's easier to
explain. So if we'd narrowed it down
to 4,5 & 6 they would become A,B &
C respectively. Putting A on the left
side, B on the right and C to one
side.
• A goes down - A is the heavy coin
• B goes down - B is the heavy coin
• Neither goes down - C is the heavy
coin
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12. Answer
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13. We probably known that the expression 2+2 and 2 X 2 are both equal to 4.
Can you find a set of THREE different whole numbers whose sum
and product are equal?
Answer: 1+2+3=6 and 1 x 2 x 3 = 6
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14. What is the total number of
triangles in the diagram below?
Answer:
27 Total Triangles
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15. What is the total number of Square
in the diagram below?
Answer: 14
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16. TEN WAYS TO USE
PUZZLES IN MATH
EDUCATION:
Classroom
Resource
Arts & Crafts
Introduce
Ideas
(warmup)
Illustrate
Strategies
Original
Research
Problem
Posing
Skill Testing
Public Events
Livelier
Homework
Physical
Manipulative
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17. Thank You
K.THIYAGU
Assistant Professor
Department of Education
Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod
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