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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Khan Academy Kids problem solving maths mission

A practical mini-mission using problem solving to practise reasoning through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

Khan Academy Kids problem solving maths mission is a fun way to learn how to think through maths problems using clues, patterns, and real-life situations. You can solve puzzles, play games, and work out answers by using what you already know about numbers and shapes.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use clues, patterns, and real-life situations to solve maths problems that are part of the Khan Academy Kids problem solving maths mission. Success signs:
  • You can find the answer to a maths problem by using clues from the question.
  • You can solve puzzles using shapes, numbers, or patterns.
  • You can work out problems using real-life examples like sharing snacks or counting toys.
  • You can explain how you solved a problem to a friend or grown-up.

Why this matters

Problem solving is one of the most important maths skills you can learn. It helps you think clearly, use your brain to figure out answers, and solve real-life puzzles. Whether you're playing a game, sharing toys, or working out how much cake to cut, you're using problem solving skills. Khan Academy Kids helps you build these skills through fun missions and puzzles.

How it works

When you see a problem in Khan Academy Kids, it’s like a treasure hunt. You need to:
  1. Read the question carefully and look for clues.
  2. Think about what you already know about numbers, shapes, or patterns.
  3. Try different ideas to find the answer.
  4. Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Examples you can see

Let’s try a simple problem:
  • Problem: There are 3 groups of 4 apples. How many apples are there altogether?
  • Step 1: You know there are 3 groups.
  • Step 2: Each group has 4 apples.
  • Step 3: So you can add: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 apples.
  • Step 4: You can also multiply: 3 × 4 = 12 apples.
Here’s another example:
  • Problem: You have 12 cookies. You want to share them equally between 3 friends. How many cookies does each friend get?
  • Step 1: You have 12 cookies.
  • Step 2: You want to split them into 3 equal groups.
  • Step 3: So you divide: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 cookies each.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Apple Hunt You are on a mission to collect apples for your farm. You have a basket and need to collect apples from 3 trees. Each tree has 4 apples. How many apples do you collect in total?
  1. 1st time: You pick 4 apples from the first tree.
  2. 2nd time: You pick 4 apples from the second tree.
  3. 3rd time: You pick 4 apples from the third tree.
  4. 4th time: You add them all up: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 apples.
Now, you want to share these apples with your 3 best friends. How many apples does each friend get?
  1. 5th time: You have 12 apples.
  2. 6th time: You share them equally among 3 friends.
  3. 7th time: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 apples each.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding instead of multiplying.
    • Why it happens: You might forget that repeated addition is the same as multiplication.
    • Fix: Remember that 3 groups of 4 = 3 × 4 = 12 or 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
  • Mistake: Not checking your answer.
    • Why it happens: You might be in a hurry and not double-check.
    • Fix: Always ask, “Does my answer make sense?”
  • Mistake: Confusing sharing and grouping.
    • Why it happens: You might think 12 ÷ 3 = 3 instead of 4.
    • Fix: Think of it as splitting 12 into 3 equal parts. Each part is 4.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Reading the problem together and asking questions like, “What do you know?” or “What are you trying to find?”
  • Encouraging them to draw pictures or use objects to help solve the problem.
  • Letting them explain how they solved it. This helps them understand their thinking.
  • Not rushing to give the answer. Let them try and make mistakes. That’s how they learn!
  • Repeating the same kind of problem to build confidence.

Practice questions

  1. There are 5 groups of 3 balloons. How many balloons are there altogether?
  2. There are 15 pencils. You want to share them equally between 5 friends. How many pencils does each friend get?
  3. There are 4 rows of 6 stars. How many stars are there in total?
  4. There are 18 crayons. You want to put them into 3 boxes equally. How many crayons go into each box?
  5. There are 6 groups of 2 marbles. How many marbles are there?
Answers:
  1. 5 × 3 = 15 balloons
  2. 15 ÷ 5 = 3 pencils each
  3. 4 × 6 = 24 stars
  4. 18 ÷ 3 = 6 crayons each
  5. 6 × 2 = 12 marbles

FAQ

What is a problem solving maths mission?

A problem solving maths mission is a fun activity where you use clues, patterns, and real-life examples to solve puzzles and find answers. It helps you think clearly and use your maths skills.

How can I get better at solving maths problems?

You can get better by practicing regularly, using objects or drawings to help, and checking your answers. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they help you learn!

Can I use real things to solve maths problems?

Yes! You can use toys, food, or anything around you to help solve problems. For example, use your fingers to count or use blocks to show groups.

What should I do if I don’t understand the problem?

Try reading it again, draw a picture, or ask a grown-up to help you understand. It’s okay to take your time.

Why do we need to learn problem solving?

Problem solving helps you think clearly and find answers in everyday life. Whether you’re sharing snacks or playing games, you use these skills!