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Dragonbox Maths

Where is problem solving hiding in DragonBox hidden number quests?

Solve mystery-number puzzles with clues and checks.

Quick answer

Problem solving is hiding in DragonBox hidden number quests because you need to use clues, logic, and number sense to find the secret numbers. You're solving puzzles by thinking backwards and checking your answers.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve mystery number puzzles by using clues, checking your answers, and thinking logically about numbers.

  • You can find a secret number using hints and clues.
  • You can check if your answer makes sense with the given clues.
  • You can think backwards to solve number puzzles.
  • You can use your knowledge of addition and subtraction to find missing numbers.

Why this matters

Problem solving helps you in lots of real life situations. When you're shopping and need to figure out how much change you should get, or when you're planning a party and need to work out how many guests can fit in your living room, you're using the same thinking skills as in DragonBox quests.

These skills also help you in school maths. When you see a problem like "I have 12 sweets and eat some, now I have 5 left. How many did I eat?", you're solving a mystery number puzzle just like in DragonBox!

Being good at problem solving helps you think clearly and makes you feel confident when you face new challenges. It's like having a superpower that helps you figure out anything!

How it works

DragonBox hidden number quests work like a detective game where you find secret numbers using clues. Here's how to solve them:

  1. Read the clues carefully - Look at all the hints given about the number.
  2. Think about what the clues mean - What does it tell you about the size or properties of the number?
  3. Try different numbers - Use your knowledge to test possibilities.
  4. Check your answer - See if it fits all the clues.
  5. Repeat if needed - If it doesn't work, try again with a new number.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine a DragonBox mystery quest:

Quest 1: The Magic Number

Clue: This number is between 5 and 15. It's an even number. If you add 3 to it, you get a number less than 12.

Let's solve it step by step:

  1. First, list numbers between 5 and 15: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
  2. Next, find the even numbers: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
  3. Then, add 3 to each even number: 9, 11, 13, 15, 17
  4. Finally, check which ones are less than 12: 9 and 11
  5. But wait! The number must be even, so it's either 6 or 8. If we add 3 to 6 we get 9, which is less than 12. If we add 3 to 8 we get 11, which is also less than 12.
  6. So the answer is either 6 or 8.

Quest 2: The Secret Box

Clue: This number is less than 10. If you double it, you get a number greater than 10. If you subtract 1 from it, you get an odd number.

Let's solve this one:

  1. Possible numbers less than 10: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  2. Double each number: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
  3. Find numbers that double to more than 10: 6, 7, 8, 9
  4. Subtract 1 from these numbers: 5, 6, 7, 8
  5. Find which ones are odd: 5 and 7
  6. So the number is either 5 or 7.

Try it as a mini adventure

The DragonBox Treasure Hunt

You're on a quest to find the secret treasure in DragonBox! To get the treasure map, you must solve three puzzles:

First puzzle: I'm a number less than 20. I'm an odd number. If you add 5 to me, I become more than 15. What number am I?

Second puzzle: I'm a number between 1 and 10. If you multiply me by 2, I'm less than 15. If you subtract 3 from me, I'm greater than 0. What number am I?

Third puzzle: I'm a number between 10 and 20. I'm a multiple of 3. If you subtract 4 from me, I'm greater than 10. What number am I?

Can you solve all three puzzles to get your treasure map?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that if a clue says "less than 10", the number must be 9 or smaller.
    Why it happens: Not reading the clues carefully.
    Fix: Check if the clue says "less than" or "less than or equal to".
  • Mistake: Using a number that fits one clue but not all clues.
    Why it happens: Not checking all clues carefully.
    Fix: Always test your answer against every clue in the quest.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that a number can be more than one thing at once (like even and less than 10).
    Why it happens: Thinking clues are separate instead of connected.
    Fix: Remember that all clues must be true at the same time.
  • Mistake: Adding or subtracting wrong numbers.
    Why it happens: Not double-checking arithmetic.
    Fix: Use fingers, counting, or a number line to check your math.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child by:

  1. Reading clues together - Encourage your child to read each clue out loud and think about what it means.
  2. Using real objects - Use coins, blocks, or counters to test numbers and make it tangible.
  3. Checking answers together - Ask "Does this number work for ALL the clues?"
  4. Being patient - Problem solving takes time. Let your child think and make mistakes.
  5. Building confidence - Celebrate when they solve a puzzle correctly!

What to say: "Let's look at this clue together. What does it tell us about our mystery number?"

What not to worry about: Don't worry if your child needs to try several numbers before finding the right one. That's how learning happens!

Practice questions

  1. Clue: This number is between 10 and 20. It's an odd number. If you subtract 5 from it, you get a number greater than 5. What is the number?

    Answer: 13

  2. Clue: This number is less than 15. It's a multiple of 5. If you add 2 to it, you get a number less than 10. What is the number?

    Answer: 5

  3. Clue: This number is between 1 and 10. If you multiply it by 3, you get a number less than 20. If you add 4 to it, you get a number greater than 7. What is the number?

    Answer: 6

  4. Clue: This number is between 5 and 15. It's an even number. If you divide it by 2, you get a number less than 6. What is the number?

    Answer: 8 or 10 or 12 or 14

  5. Clue: This number is less than 25. It's a multiple of 4. If you subtract 3 from it, you get a number greater than 10. What is the number?

    Answer: 16 or 20 or 24

FAQ

How do I know which numbers to try?

Start by listing all possible numbers based on the first clue, then narrow down using the next clues. It's like making a list of suspects and then eliminating them one by one.

What if I don't know what the answer is?

That's okay! Try a few numbers and see if they work. Sometimes the best way to learn is by testing ideas and seeing what happens.

Are these puzzles like the ones in school?

Yes! These puzzles use the same thinking skills as word problems in school. You're using addition, subtraction, and logic to solve mysteries.

Can I make my own mystery number puzzles?

Absolutely! Try making puzzles for your family to solve. It's a fun way to practice problem solving and see if others can figure out your clues.

How can I get better at solving these puzzles?

Practice makes progress! Try solving puzzles every day, even if they're simple. The more you do, the better you'll get at spotting patterns and thinking logically.