Puzzles

Challenge yourself by solving these puzzles and mind stretchers, then check the answers on page 134.

CROSSHAIRS (EASY) None of the white squares in this diagram have their edges lined up. One of the squares is a different size from the others. Can you find it? LUCK OF THE DRAW (EASY) There are six marbles in a bag. They are exactly alike except for colour: one is red, two are green and three are blue. Without looking into the bag, what’s the smallest number of marbles you would need to draw out to guarantee getting either two green or two blue ones? ARITHME-PICK (MODERATELY DIFFICULT) Place one of the four basic arithmetic operations (+, –, ×, ÷) in each box to make a correct equation. Symbols may be repeated, and you don’t have to use all four. All operations are performed from left to right, ignoring the mathematical order of operations. The result at each step must be a positive whole number. What’s the equation?