Make 24 — Use Every Number (Grades 5–6)
The classic "Make 24" puzzle: given four numbers, use each exactly once, with any operations and parentheses, to make 24. It builds fluency and flexible thinking — there's often a clever grouping. With 4, 4, 3, 2: 4 × (3 + 2) + 4 = 20 + 4 = 24 (each number used once) — try combinations until one lands on 24.
Understanding make 24
The classic "Make 24" puzzle: given four numbers, use each exactly once, with any operations and parentheses, to make 24. It builds fluency and flexible thinking — there's often a clever grouping. With 4, 4, 3, 2: 4 × (3 + 2) + 4 = 20 + 4 = 24 (each number used once) — try combinations until one lands on 24.
Key Idea
The classic "Make 24" puzzle: given four numbers, use each exactly once, with any operations and parentheses, to make 24. It builds fluency and flexible thinking — there's often a clever grouping. With 4, 4, 3, 2: 4 × (3 + 2) + 4 = 20 + 4 = 24 (each number used once) — try combinations until one lands on 24.
Seeing it in action
Worked example
Use 6, 4, 2, 2 (each once) to make 24.
6 × 4 = 24, and use the 2s as 2 − 2 = 0 added on: 6 × 4 + (2 − 2) = 24. (Many groupings work.)
Use every number once to reach 24.
Try a few
Use 8, 3, 1, 1 to make 24.
Use 6, 2, 2, 1 to make 24.
Use 4, 3, 2, 1 to make 24.
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Master it in the workbook.
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