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This is one of my favorite math challenges. I love the thinking that is involved as students compete to create equations in this game.
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You can use this game with students of different abilities. It is quick and easy to prepare and it can be played with 1 person, a small group or even a whole class.
Materials: You will require 3 sets of small number cards with the digits from 0 – 9 and 20 cards with 2 digit or 3 digit numbers (Choose 2 digit numbers or 3 digit numbers according to the ability of the players.)
Object of the Game: Each player attempts to create an equation that equals the chosen 2 or 3 digit number. Players can only use the digits on the selected small number cards.
Getting Ready: Place the small number cards face down on a table or in a bag or bowl for children to select them from. The large number cards are also placed face down or in a separate bag or bowl.
To Play: One person chooses 6 of the small number cards if creating equations to equal 2 digit numbers or 7 of the small number cards if creating equations to equal 3 digit numbers and displays them for the others to see. Next, one of the large number cards is chosen and displayed.
Players are now given a set amount of time – between 2 minutes and 5 minutes – to create an equation that equals the number on the large number card. Players can only use the digits on the small number cards and can only use each of these digits once unless 2 or more of the same digit have been chosen. 
Scoring: After the set amount of time – those who have created a correct equation score 1 point for each addition in their equation, 2 points for each subtraction, 3 points for each multiplication and 4 points for each division.
Encourage players to create equations that use different operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Each equation must contain at least one operation.
The above is a turn when using a 3 digit number.
I hope the students enjoy this challenging game!
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I absolutely love this!!
Thanks Ingrid! Hope the kids enjoy this activity!
Fabulous activity that encourages rigor in math!
Glad you like it! I love this activity as it really does make the kids think!
Very nice, i will try it..thanks
Thanks Milos! I hope the students enjoy it!
Thank you. Definitely going to use.
WOW!!! This will make the kiddos think.
Love the game, there is lots of room for differentiation and creative twist to keep the students engaged. Thank You.
I think that math is a difficult subject to keep the students engaged, and wanting to learn. Incorporating more games into their lessons is a great idea. They are having fun and forget they are actually learning and enjoying math.
I love this game. Our school had a “Christmas Math Day” I made a Christmas tree that held 6 ornaments on one side, 7 on the other. I put a star at the top designating the 6 ornaments for 2 digit numbers and 3 digit on the star on the other side. I put 0-9 on ornaments. The students picked 6 ornaments and then a present (the 2 or 3 digit number).
Love it!
Do I make up any 2 and 3 digit numbers of my own?
For this activity you can choose the 2 and 3 digit numbers that your students have to make.