Multiplication Puzzles, Solutions and Explanations

How to Make Multiplication Puzzles

Multiplication is typically introduced in third grade, and students often learn the times tables for 0-10. Help your child review multiplication problems by completing a puzzle. To make your own at home, use puzzles that are familiar to your child and incorporate multiplication problems into them.

Only include basic multiplication facts in your puzzles. If your child is struggling with one type of problem in particular, use these puzzles for additional review. For instance, if your child doesn't understand the nine times tables, be sure to include more problems involving nine.

Multiplication Puzzles and Solutions

Word Search

Make a multiplication word search by creating a table on your word processor. Write answers to multiplication problems as words inside the table. For instance, 3 x 5 = fifteen. Finish the puzzle by filling in all the empty squares with random letters. Write out the multiplication problems below the table. After solving a problem, your child will look for the answer inside the word search.

Multiplication Match-Up

Turn a classic memory game into a review. On one set of note cards, write equations such as 7 x 8. On another set of cards, write the answers. Then, flip all the cards upside down and have your child match up the multiplication facts to the answers.

Connect the Dots

Have your child complete a connect-the-dots picture using multiplication. Instead of writing the numbers, write the multiplication problems. For instance, 1 x 1 = 1, 2 x 3 = 6 and 3 x 4 = 12. Although third graders probably haven't completed a connect-the-dots picture since a very early age, they may enjoy this new spin on a classic puzzle.

Guess the Number

This puzzle is similar to a word problem and forces students to practice both multiplication and division. Consider the following example:

What number multiplied by 6 equals 48?

The answer is eight. To figure out this problem, your child must be familiar with the basic multiplication facts (8 x 6 = 48). It also requires your child to practice division skills because she has to consider what 48 ÷ 6 is.