Math Sudoku

A 9x9 Sudoku grid is filled in by first solving a math expression placed in each cell rather than reading a plain number.

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Grades: Grades 7–10, High School, Middle School
File type: PDF
Editable: Yes

Updated Aug 20, 2022

Subject: Algebra, Math
Topic: Sudoku, Puzzle
Resource types: Games, Activities
Editable: Yes

From the author

About this resource

A 9x9 Sudoku grid is filled in by first solving math expressions — such as finding the GCF of 120 and 128 — placed in each cell, then completing the puzzle so every row, column, and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. Teacher notes explain the product includes two activities: Activity 1 gives students a pre-built math-expression Sudoku board with a completed answer key provided, while Activity 2 has students choose one of four blank Sudoku board layouts and write their own math expressions for each number, using required elements like fractions, exponents, square roots, and factorials, before swapping puzzles with a classmate to solve. Teachers wanting more puzzle-based practice with the same order-of-operations and exponent skills can turn to beginning algebra lessons that pack roughly fifty self-checking exercises into single-page puzzle formats.

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

Evaluate math expressions involving GCF, fractions, exponents, and square roots to determine a digit 1-9.
Apply Sudoku logic to complete a 9x9 grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box contains every digit once.
Write original math expressions, including fractions, exponents, and factorials, that evaluate to a specified digit.

Teaching tips

Start with Activity 1 (solving the pre-built expression Sudoku) before assigning Activity 2, which requires students to author their own expressions.
Adapt the 'Write Your Expressions' page directions to match whatever unit topics the class has recently covered, as the teacher notes suggest.
Have students swap their completed Activity 2 boards with a partner to solve each other's puzzles as a peer-check step.

Skills covered

Mixed math-expression evaluation — students solve expressions involving GCF, fractions, exponents, and square roots to find each digit.
Sudoku logic — students apply row/column/box uniqueness rules to complete a 9x9 grid.
Original expression writing — students write their own math expressions for a target digit, incorporating fractions, exponents, and factorials.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

How does Activity 2 differ from simply solving a pre-made Sudoku puzzle?

In Activity 2, students choose a blank board layout and invent their own math expression for every number on it, writing the expressions on a separate planning page before copying them into the correct squares, so the puzzle they create can then be solved by a classmate.

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Resource details

Concepts & topics

Core concepts

Sudoku logic
Order of operations
GCF
Exponents

Topics

Sudoku Puzzle Math Puzzle Math Fun Early Finish Sudoku Math Puzzle Worksheets Math Is Fun Sudoku Math Com Sudoku Sudoku With Math

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Categories this resource belongs to

Algebra Math Games Activities Grade 8 Grade 7

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