Primary students (K-2): shapes, number recognition, color pattern
Intermediate students (3-5): pattern search
This is a pattern search with a lot of different ways to arrive at an answer. Students can use the shape of the puzzle to help figure out their answer, noticing that many of the opposite numbers add to 10. They can also begin adding counter-clockwise starting at '1' and placing the answer in the next circle, dropping the tens column if needed. Both of these strategies would arrive at the answer '2'.
Click here for more detailed answers from fourth grade students.
"It's 2 because 8 + 2 = 10; 4 + 6 = 10; 7 + 3 = 10; 1 + 9 = 10"
"Illustration of numbers adding to 10"
"Illustration of adding the numbers counter-clockwise"
"That it's a pattern that goes green then purple."