Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level
The objective in this type of puzzle is to work out the
factors in the top row and left hand column.
The increment buttons (spinners) in each of these spaces,
allow experimentation and feedback.
Click here to
get the Excel file Make a Copy.
In Make a Copy
2 less information is provided. Can this puzzle be
solved?
Extend your thinking with some investigative activity:
What is the minimum number of values that must be provided if
the puzzle is to have a unique solution?
Does the position of these values matter?
Are the answers to these questions different when any of the
given values have more than two prime factors?
14 can be expressed as a product of only two prime factors: 2
x 7.
12 has prime factors: 2 x 2 x 3.
Make up similar puzzles with different size, or different
shape, grids.
Try more interesting functions than simple
multiplication.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.