Why do this problem?

This problem uses a maze as a way of practising addition. Learners also need to be systematic in their approach when doing it. In the past nearly every comic, annual and children's corners in newspapers had a maze of some sort. Many children now do not come across mazes in this way so they may need some explanation of what to do. Two copies of the maze can be found on this sheet.

Key questions

Where do you start/finish?
Can you go that way or do you have to go through the gaps where there is no line?
Would it be a good idea to make list of the numbers as you pass them?
Why not do each route in a different colour?

Possible extension

Learners could make up an even harder maze than this with numbers in it. Mazes can be made any shape and can be based on squares, circles, triangles and hexagons.

Possible support

Suggest making list of the numbers then add them, using a calculator if necessary. Two copies of the maze can be found on this sheet.