Free maths game · no sign-up

Numbers Round Solver

Six numbers, one three-digit target, thirty seconds. Deal a round and race the clock, or type in a round you've seen on TV and let the solver find the shortest way there.

How to play

Deal a round, or type in your own

Use the six numbers to reach the target with +, −, × and ÷.
Each number can be used once. You don't have to use them all.
No fractions and no negative numbers, at any step.
Can't hit it exactly? Get as close as you can.

How a round is dealt

There are 20 small numbers (two each of 1 to 10) and four big ones (25, 50, 75 and 100). Choose how many big numbers you want, from none to all four, and the rest are drawn from the small ones. The target is a random number from 100 to 999. This is the format of the numbers round on the TV quiz Countdown; Brightquill isn't connected with the programme.

Why it's brilliant for mental maths

Every round is practice in estimating, rounding and working backwards: "the target is about 8 × 100, so what makes 8?" Start children with four small numbers and a two-digit target, then build up. The solver always shows the shortest way, which makes a good discussion: did anyone find a different route?