Word Problems (Start Unknown) Worksheet/Game

Word Problems (Start Unknown) Worksheet/Game
Welcome to Word Problems (Start Unknown) game. This is a logic game where you play a “math detective.” In most math problems, you know the start and need to find the end. In this game, the beginning is a mystery, and you have to work backward to find out how many items Paul had at the very start. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.

 

 

How to Play

1. Read the Story
   Look at the story card to see what happened to Paul. You will see three pieces of information:
   The Beginning: It will always say “Paul had some [items].” (This is the mystery you need to solve!)
   The Action: Paul either got more (addition) or lost some (subtraction).
   The Result: You are told how many Paul has now.
   

2. Solve the Mystery
   To find the starting number, you have to “undo” what Paul did
   If Paul got more (Addition): You subtract the “more” from the final total.
   Example: Paul had some marbles. He found 2 more. Now he has 6.
   Think: 6 - 2 = 4. He started with 4.
   If Paul lost some (Subtraction): You add the “lost” items back to the final total.
   Example: Paul had some cookies. He ate 3. Now he has 5.
   Think: 5 + 3 = 8. He started with 8.
   

3. Pick the Right Number
   Click one of the buttons in the grid (numbers 2 through 10).
   Correct: The button turns green, you’ll hear a chime, and your “Mystery Solved” score goes up.
   Incorrect: The button turns red, and the game will show you the correct answer in green so you can see the logic.
   

4. Keep Going
   Click “Next Mystery ➜” to generate a brand new story for Paul.
   

Tip for Students
Think of the game like a rewind button.
If Paul “found” something, rewind and take it away.
If Paul “ate” something, rewind and put it back on the plate.

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