In this crossword, horizontal and vertical calculation chains meet.
Each chain is a complete equation like 4 + 3 = 7.
At the crossings a number is sometimes blank - you find it from the other chain.
Example:
At the top it says "_ + 3 = 7". The 4 is missing on the left.
On the left it says "_ + 4 = 8". The same number is missing there too - the 4!
So both chains confirm each other.
Example
- 4 + 3 = 7 | 4 + 4 = 8 | 8 − 3 = 5 | 7 − 2 = 5
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
The number crossword links several equations into one grid and shows that a number can be confirmed from different directions. Children practice addition and subtraction and learn to work out a blank from the other calculation chain.
Common pitfalls
Children sometimes solve only one of the two chains and copy its result without checking, instead of comparing both calculation paths at the crossing. It helps to work out both neighboring chains for every blank.
How to practice at home
Write down two simple equations that share one number, for example "3 + 2 = 5" and "5 − 1 = 4" (the 5 appears in both). Cover the shared number and let your child work it out from both equations.
Related: Number cross, Riddle