Mental Maths Sprint
60 seconds of quick-fire mental maths that gets harder as you go. Beat your best!
What it teaches
- Missing-number sums (? + 3 = 7)
- Doing the same to both sides
- Solving one-step and two-step equations
How to play
Step 1: Look at what is on each pan.
Step 2: Choose the number in the mystery bag.
Step 3: A wrong number tips the scale. Try again with the hint.
Levels
Start where it feels easy. Inside each level the questions get harder or easier as you play.
- Level 1 · Ages 5–6Missing numbers to 10Count onPlay level 1
- Level 2 · Ages 6–8Missing numbers to 20Numbers on both sidesPlay level 2
- Level 3 · Ages 8–10Bigger numbersBalloons take awayPlay level 3
- Level 4 · Ages 10–12MultiplyEquations like 3x = 18Play level 4
- Level 5 · Ages 12–16EquationsTwo steps, x on both sidesPlay level 5
Try a question
Level 2
What number makes the scale balance?
Show the answer
Answer: 11
Check: both sides weigh 17 when the bag is 11.
Take 6 away from both sides: 17 − 6.
Level 4
What number makes the scale balance?
Show the answer
Answer: x = 9
Check: both sides weigh 36 when the bag is 9.
4 bags weigh 36 together. Share 36 into 4 equal parts.
The strategy behind it
Each level links to a short lesson that shows the trick step by step.
Practise on paper
Printable worksheets on the same topic, with answer keys.
More maths games
Number Line Frog
Hop the frog along the number line to add and subtract, all the way to negatives and decimals.
Times Table Race
Race Crayo to the finish by answering times-table facts. You choose the tables.