Lesson 15.1: Maths Puzzles and Reasoning: Logic Grids & Brain Teasers
Solve number grid puzzles, shape riddles, and logical reasoning games.
⏱️ Reading Time: 15 mins
• ❓ 50 Interactive Practice Questions
#MathsPuzzles #LogicalReasoning #BrainTeasers
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning: Number Grids, Shapes & Logic
Put on your detective hat! Mathematical puzzles train your brain to spot patterns, connect clues, and solve fun logic challenges.
2
4
6
?
Rule: Add 2 each step (2, 4, 6... the missing number is 8!)
Maths Puzzle: Finding the missing number using pattern logic
1. 2x2 Number Grid Puzzles
In a number puzzle grid, look for the relationship between rows or columns. In Figure 15.1, the numbers increase by 2: 2, 4, 6... so the missing number in the box must be 6 + 2 = 8!
Grid Clue: Always check if numbers are adding up or counting in steps.
2. Riddle Logic & Odd-One-Out
• Riddle: I have 3 sides, 3 corners, and look like a slice of pizza. What shape am I? (Triangle!)
• Odd One Out: Apple, Banana, Orange, Football. Which does not belong? (Football, because the other three are fruits!)
Thinking Strategy: Ask 'What do they have in common?' and find the one that is different.
💡 Key Learning Takeaways
- Maths puzzles strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Search for number rules (like adding 1 or adding 2).
- Use shape and property clues to solve riddles and odd-one-out games.
🎯 Key Learning Takeaways
Master deduction, odd-one-out analysis, and pattern puzzle solving.
📄 Printable Worksheets (10 Available)
Download ready-to-print PDFs for offline student practice with separate parent/teacher answer keys.
WL-G1-C15-W10
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 10
Curriculum Excellence & Final Review
WL-G1-C15-W09
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 9
Mastery Assessment & Progress Check
WL-G1-C15-W08
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 8
Mixed Review & Reinforcement
WL-G1-C15-W07
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 7
Everyday Applications & Story Maths
WL-G1-C15-W06
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 6
Critical Thinking & Deep Understanding
WL-G1-C15-W05
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 5
Speed Challenge & Quick Check
WL-G1-C15-W04
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 4
Problem Solving & Real-Life Stories
WL-G1-C15-W03
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 3
Hands-on Visual Activity & Matching
WL-G1-C15-W02
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 2
Essential Practice & Skill Builder
WL-G1-C15-W01
A4 • 15 Qs
Maths Puzzles and Reasoning — Worksheet 1
Foundational Concepts & Visual Exploration
✍️ Lesson Practice Questions (50 Questions)
Solve these real-world challenges online, test your understanding, and reveal instant step-by-step explanations.
1
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Farmer Dan has 13 sheep. Farmer Ben has 7 sheep. How many sheep must Dan give to Ben so they have different counts by 1?
A
None
B
All of them
C
Calculate difference
D
1 sheep
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
1 sheep
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adjusting by 1 changes the relative difference by 2.
2
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
I am a mystery number. If you add 7 to me, you get 20. Then if you subtract 2, what do you get?
A
15
B
7
C
13
D
11
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
11
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The mystery number is 13. Subtracting 2 gives 11.
3
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 13 + 7 = 20, what is 7 + 13?
A
7
B
21
C
20
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Addition is commutative: changing the order of addends does not change the sum.
4
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 20 greater than 13?
A
Because adding 7 positive items increases the total amount
B
Because it ends with an odd digit
C
Because order doesn't matter
D
Because subtraction makes numbers bigger
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because adding 7 positive items increases the total amount
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding any non-zero positive number produces a larger total.
5
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam claims: 'Taking away 7 from 20 gives 27.' What did Sam do wrong?
A
He forgot the tens
B
He divided the numbers
C
He counted backward
D
He added instead of subtracting
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Taking away means subtraction, but Sam performed addition.
6
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student said that 13 + 7 equals 30 because 'we always put 1 in front'. What mistake did the student make?
A
They forgot the decimal
B
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
C
The addition is correct
D
They subtracted instead
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Place values must be added together, not concatenated blindly.
7
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
What number completes the pattern: 13, 15, 17, [ ? ]?
A
20
B
21
C
18
D
19
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
19
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern adds 2 each time. 17 + 2 = 19.
8
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 13 + [ ? ] = 20.
A
6
B
13
C
8
D
7
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
7
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing number is 7 because 13 + 7 = 20.
9
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a garden, there are 13 red butterflies and 7 blue butterflies. How many butterflies are fluttering together?
A
7 butterflies
B
20 butterflies
C
13 butterflies
D
23 butterflies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20 butterflies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
13 + 7 = 20 butterflies.
10
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library table had 20 storybooks. Students checked out 7 books. How many books remain on the table?
A
14 books
B
7 books
C
13 books
D
12 books
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
13 books
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(20) - 7 = 13 books remain.
11
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker made 13 blueberry muffins in the morning and 7 chocolate muffins in the afternoon. How many muffins did he bake in all?
A
20 muffins
B
22 muffins
C
13 muffins
D
19 muffins
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20 muffins
Step-by-Step Explanation:
13 + 7 = 20 muffins baked.
12
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What is the result of taking away 7 from 20?
A
12
B
14
C
7
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
13
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(20) - 7 = 13.
13
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Compare the quantities: 18 [ ? ] 15.
A
=
B
>
C
<
D
≈
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
18 is greater than 15.
14
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which number is 1 more than 20?
A
20
B
21
C
22
D
19
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
21
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 1 gives 21.
15
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Puzzles and Reasoning', what is 13 + 7?
A
21
B
20
C
22
D
19
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20
Step-by-Step Explanation:
13 + 7 = 20.
16
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Farmer Dan has 12 sheep. Farmer Ben has 4 sheep. How many sheep must Dan give to Ben so they have different counts by 1?
A
None
B
All of them
C
Calculate difference
D
1 sheep
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
1 sheep
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adjusting by 1 changes the relative difference by 2.
17
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
I am a mystery number. If you add 4 to me, you get 16. Then if you subtract 2, what do you get?
A
14
B
10
C
4
D
12
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
10
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The mystery number is 12. Subtracting 2 gives 10.
18
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 12 + 4 = 16, what is 4 + 12?
A
4
B
16
C
12
D
17
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
16
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Addition is commutative: changing the order of addends does not change the sum.
19
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 16 greater than 12?
A
Because subtraction makes numbers bigger
B
Because it ends with an odd digit
C
Because adding 4 positive items increases the total amount
D
Because order doesn't matter
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because adding 4 positive items increases the total amount
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding any non-zero positive number produces a larger total.
20
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam claims: 'Taking away 4 from 16 gives 20.' What did Sam do wrong?
A
He forgot the tens
B
He divided the numbers
C
He counted backward
D
He added instead of subtracting
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Taking away means subtraction, but Sam performed addition.
21
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student said that 12 + 4 equals 26 because 'we always put 1 in front'. What mistake did the student make?
A
The addition is correct
B
They subtracted instead
C
They forgot the decimal
D
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Place values must be added together, not concatenated blindly.
22
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
What number completes the pattern: 12, 14, 16, [ ? ]?
A
17
B
18
C
19
D
20
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
18
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern adds 2 each time. 16 + 2 = 18.
23
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 12 + [ ? ] = 16.
A
5
B
12
C
4
D
3
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
4
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing number is 4 because 12 + 4 = 16.
24
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a garden, there are 12 red butterflies and 4 blue butterflies. How many butterflies are fluttering together?
A
12 butterflies
B
16 butterflies
C
19 butterflies
D
4 butterflies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
16 butterflies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
12 + 4 = 16 butterflies.
25
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library table had 16 storybooks. Students checked out 4 books. How many books remain on the table?
A
12 books
B
4 books
C
13 books
D
11 books
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12 books
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(16) - 4 = 12 books remain.
26
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker made 12 blueberry muffins in the morning and 4 chocolate muffins in the afternoon. How many muffins did he bake in all?
A
12 muffins
B
15 muffins
C
16 muffins
D
18 muffins
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
16 muffins
Step-by-Step Explanation:
12 + 4 = 16 muffins baked.
27
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What is the result of taking away 4 from 16?
A
4
B
13
C
11
D
12
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(16) - 4 = 12.
28
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Compare the quantities: 17 [ ? ] 14.
A
>
B
=
C
<
D
≈
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
17 is greater than 14.
29
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which number is 1 more than 16?
A
15
B
18
C
16
D
17
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
17
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 1 gives 17.
30
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Puzzles and Reasoning', what is 12 + 4?
A
16
B
17
C
18
D
15
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
16
Step-by-Step Explanation:
12 + 4 = 16.
31
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Farmer Dan has 11 sheep. Farmer Ben has 9 sheep. How many sheep must Dan give to Ben so they have different counts by 1?
A
1 sheep
B
All of them
C
Calculate difference
D
None
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
1 sheep
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adjusting by 1 changes the relative difference by 2.
32
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
I am a mystery number. If you add 9 to me, you get 20. Then if you subtract 2, what do you get?
A
9
B
9
C
11
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
9
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The mystery number is 11. Subtracting 2 gives 9.
33
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 11 + 9 = 20, what is 9 + 11?
A
21
B
9
C
20
D
11
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Addition is commutative: changing the order of addends does not change the sum.
34
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 20 greater than 11?
A
Because it ends with an odd digit
B
Because subtraction makes numbers bigger
C
Because order doesn't matter
D
Because adding 9 positive items increases the total amount
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because adding 9 positive items increases the total amount
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding any non-zero positive number produces a larger total.
35
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam claims: 'Taking away 9 from 20 gives 29.' What did Sam do wrong?
A
He divided the numbers
B
He counted backward
C
He forgot the tens
D
He added instead of subtracting
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Taking away means subtraction, but Sam performed addition.
36
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student said that 11 + 9 equals 30 because 'we always put 1 in front'. What mistake did the student make?
A
They forgot the decimal
B
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
C
The addition is correct
D
They subtracted instead
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
They confused adding numbers with writing digits side by side
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Place values must be added together, not concatenated blindly.
37
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
What number completes the pattern: 11, 13, 15, [ ? ]?
A
18
B
16
C
19
D
17
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
17
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern adds 2 each time. 15 + 2 = 17.
38
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 11 + [ ? ] = 20.
A
10
B
8
C
9
D
11
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
9
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing number is 9 because 11 + 9 = 20.
39
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a garden, there are 11 red butterflies and 9 blue butterflies. How many butterflies are fluttering together?
A
23 butterflies
B
20 butterflies
C
11 butterflies
D
9 butterflies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20 butterflies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
11 + 9 = 20 butterflies.
40
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library table had 20 storybooks. Students checked out 9 books. How many books remain on the table?
A
11 books
B
12 books
C
9 books
D
10 books
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
11 books
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(20) - 9 = 11 books remain.
41
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker made 11 blueberry muffins in the morning and 9 chocolate muffins in the afternoon. How many muffins did he bake in all?
A
11 muffins
B
19 muffins
C
22 muffins
D
20 muffins
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20 muffins
Step-by-Step Explanation:
11 + 9 = 20 muffins baked.
42
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What is the result of taking away 9 from 20?
A
9
B
12
C
10
D
11
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
11
Step-by-Step Explanation:
(20) - 9 = 11.
43
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Compare the quantities: 16 [ ? ] 13.
A
>
B
<
C
≈
D
=
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
16 is greater than 13.
44
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which number is 1 more than 20?
A
20
B
21
C
22
D
19
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
21
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 1 gives 21.
45
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Maths Puzzles and Reasoning', what is 11 + 9?
A
20
B
19
C
21
D
22
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20
Step-by-Step Explanation:
11 + 9 = 20.
46
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Farmer Dan has 10 sheep. Farmer Ben has 6 sheep. How many sheep must Dan give to Ben so they have different counts by 1?
A
None
B
All of them
C
1 sheep
D
Calculate difference
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
1 sheep
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adjusting by 1 changes the relative difference by 2.
47
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
I am a mystery number. If you add 6 to me, you get 16. Then if you subtract 2, what do you get?
A
6
B
12
C
8
D
10
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
8
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The mystery number is 10. Subtracting 2 gives 8.
48
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 10 + 6 = 16, what is 6 + 10?
A
16
B
6
C
17
D
10
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
16
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Addition is commutative: changing the order of addends does not change the sum.
49
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 16 greater than 10?
A
Because adding 6 positive items increases the total amount
B
Because order doesn't matter
C
Because subtraction makes numbers bigger
D
Because it ends with an odd digit
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because adding 6 positive items increases the total amount
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding any non-zero positive number produces a larger total.
50
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam claims: 'Taking away 6 from 16 gives 22.' What did Sam do wrong?
A
He counted backward
B
He divided the numbers
C
He added instead of subtracting
D
He forgot the tens
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Taking away means subtraction, but Sam performed addition.