Interpret Multiplication Number Puzzles – OA1

These Number Puzzles for Third Grade engage students in solving problems using a variety of equations, models, and strategies.  Most puzzles include a context, a model / drawing, an equation, and an “answer”.

Simply print each puzzle piece on colored paper, laminate for durability, and cut apart. I encourage students to use whiteboard markers on some pieces. If laminated, the whiteboard marker ink wipes off easily.

OA1 – Interpret Multiplication

These Multiplication Number Puzzles help students interpret products of whole numbers by reading a context and identifying the expression, model / drawing, and total number. The context describes the relationship of the numbers, but doesn’t not include the question part of a word problem. The focus is on the relationship of the numbers.

The model or drawing will match the context of the problem, generally by problem type. Models include: equal groups, number line, array / area model, and bar model. The Puzzles are arranged by multiplication problem type, Equal Groups, Area / Arrays, Compare. There are 15 puzzles per problem type with a range of multiplication expressions.