"Adding Mixed Number Fractions: A Math Puzzle Activity" is a worksheet designed for upper elementary students who are practicing adding fractions and mixed numbers. Instead of just asking them to find the solution, each worksheet features a series of squares that share sides with other squares. Each side of a square adds up to the number in the middle. Some sides have mixed numbers already filled in, and students have to find the numbers that go on the remaining sides to equal each number in the middle.

There are instructions that help students fill in the correct numbers in each empty space. For example, one puzzle tells students that exactly one of the four sides must be 6, 3, or 8. Then, it tells students that the other three numbers must all be different and be from a list of specific fractions that include 4, 7, 5, and 1.

All fractions have denominators that are less than 10, and the worksheet includes negative mixed numbers as the puzzles progress to higher grade levels. Some puzzles also lack the solution in the middle of the box, giving students an extra challenge.

Adding mixed number fractions is something students are expected to learn as they reach the upper elementary grades. Worksheets that ask them to add a series of multiple mixed fractions are a good way to practice, but you can give students a greater challenge by combining mixed number addition with a puzzle.

Students can fill in the fractions on each side of a square that adds up to the number in the middle. Another puzzle could include puzzle pathways that ask students to add fractions one at a time to find the answer. You could also use a Tarsia-style puzzle where students put the triangular pieces of a puzzle together. They find the answer to the problem by adding the numbers on the sides of the puzzle pieces that are touching.