Target Number!

One of my favourite maths warm ups of all time is Target Number. This is the perfect activity to turn number practice into a quick, brain-teasing game. It builds fluency, encourages problem-solving, and keeps students engaged.

How to Play

Choose a two-digit target number and give students five other numbers to work with. Their goal? Use all five numbers exactly once, combining them with any mathematical operations to reach the target.

For Example

Target Number 10:
$(5 ÷ 5) + 8 + (2 × 1) = 10$

Target Number 20:
$(5 × 5) − (3 + 1 + 1) = 20$

Target Number 50:
$(9 × 8) − (7 + 6 + 9) = 50$

$Why\; It\text{'}s\; so\; Good$

• Differentiate tasks by giving smaller numbers to build confidence, or bigger numbers to challenge high-achievers
• Boosts number fluency when students work through calculations to get the target number
• Students can reach the target in different ways, so everyone can join in

Try Target Number for a quick warm-up, fast-finisher, or whole-class challenge. Students get involved fast and enjoy thinking creatively with numbers!