Math · Stage 2
Find hidden numbers in a shape-sum puzzle
Each shape hides a number — use what you know to uncover what you don't.
✦ Math📘 Stage 2 · S2⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 6–7★ Free to start
I can find hidden numbers in a shape-sum puzzle.
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Kavi's Shape Puzzle 🔺
Kavi found a riddle carved on a stone 🪨: "▲ + ▲ = 8. What is ▲?" Kavi thinks out loud: "The same shape means the same number — so two equal parts make 8. Half of 8 is 4, so ▲ = 4!" Then a trickier one: "▲ + ● = 10, and ● = 4. Put 4 in for ●: 4 and how many more make 10? ▲ = 6!"
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What your child will learn
1Same shape, same numberWhen a puzzle shows the same shape twice — like ▲ + ▲ = 8 — the two parts are equal. A number bond shows it: the whole is 8 and the two matching parts are the same. So each ▲ is half of 8.
2Put in what you know, hop to find the restWhen shapes are different and one is already known, swap it in. For ▲ + ● = 10 with ● = 4, start at 4 and hop along the line up to 10 — the number of hops is the hidden ▲.
3Know your bonds, crack it in a flashEvery shape-sum is a number bond in disguise. If you know 6 + 4 = 10, then ▲ + ● = 10 with ● = 4 is instant — ▲ must be 6. Then check: put both numbers back and make sure the sum is right.
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A peek inside
A stone riddle says ▲ + ▲ = 8. What number is ▲?
same shape → two equal parts of 8 · half of 8 = 4 · check: 4 + 4 = 8 ✓
Try this at home: Same shape, same number: ▲ + ▲ = 6, so ▲ = __
Part of Math · Stage 2 · S2 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.