Boost Thinking Skills with Open-Ended Maths Problems

If you’re looking to stretch your students’ thinking beyond the standard textbook or worksheet questions, then this set of open-ended maths problems is for you!

This set of 24 task cards contains a range of open-ended problems that will challenge students to apply their understanding of various mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Here is an example:

George has chosen a random card from a pack of number cards. His number is even.

His number is less than 180 but greater than 120. 

His number is a multiple of 2, but does not end in a 4 or an 8.

List some of the possible numbers on his card.

The resource download includes:

• Instructions
• 24 x open-ended maths problems
• Recording sheets
• Answers

These open-ended maths problems can be downloaded as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides file. Whether you’re aiming to differentiate your maths program or add more challenges for high achievers, these problems offer the perfect solution!

Multiple Uses for These Open-Ended Maths Problems

There are many ways to incorporate these open-ended maths problems into your lessons. Here are some engaging activity ideas:

• Maths Journal Activity – Have students choose a problem task card and then write about how they would solve it in a maths journal. Responses should include diagrams, equations and explanations. This promotes mathematical reasoning and appropriate use of mathematical vocabulary.
• Problem of the Day/Week – Choose one problem task card and display it on the board or in a learning space. During the day or throughout the week, let students work on the problem in collaboration with their peers. This builds a problem-solving culture in the classroom.
• Differentiation Tool – Group students by readiness and assign different problem-solving task cards to suit their challenge level. This allows students to engage in meaningful work at their own pace while being supported or challenged by other members of the group.

Download Your Open-Ended Maths Problem Task Cards

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button above to select your chosen file format.

As this resource contains an answer page, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file, removing the answer page, then making further copies if required.

Print the cards on cardboard to increase the durability of the resource. Place the cards together in a large envelope or ziplock bag for safekeeping.

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

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