Math Magic Trick

This magic trick will have your students wondering how did they do that?! Once the trick is revealed, students will have an opportunity to personalize the problem so they can impress friends and family with their math skills.

We recommend you watch the video of the trick first. The video walks you through all aspects of the activity inlcuding the trick, how to personalize the problem and, of course, the math that makes this trick work.

• If you have difficulty viewing the video, you can view the written instructions (PDF).
• The Outside the Box activity sheet can be downloaded for use by your students.
• A spreadsheet file with the Number Trick (Excel) can be used to display and expain the trick in class.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students. The views expressed or implied, unless otherwise noted, should not be interpreted as official positions of the Council.