← Back to catalogue
🎯

Target Number

Mental Arithmetic & Logic Game

MathematicsPrimary, Secondary, Sixth Form
Play Target Number →

An interactive pedagogical tool designed so students master numerical agility without frustration. Combine numbers using arithmetic operations to hit the exact target, level after level, in an addictive roguelike format.

🎯

Mathematics · Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form

🧠 Pedagogical Benefits

Cognitive Flexibility

The game forces players to find multiple paths — combining addition, subtraction, multiplication and division — to reach the same target number.

Working Memory

The student holds partial results in mind while calculating the next step, strengthening frontal-lobe neural connections.

Maths Anxiety Reduction

Framed as a gamified challenge with roguelike mechanics, mistakes feel like part of the game, not failure.

💡 Practical Example

"Instead of filling in worksheets, the student breaks down 45 by combining (7 × 6) + 3 in seconds."

📝 Target Number on paper

Prefer to learn without screens? Try this analogue version:

  1. 1

    Write 5 random numbers (1–15) on slips of paper and a target number between 20 and 100.

  2. 2

    Use only the allowed operations (start with addition/subtraction, add multiplication/division for extra challenge).

  3. 3

    Try to reach the target exactly. Time yourselves with a phone.

  4. 4

    If playing with someone, whoever gets closest fastest wins.

🎲 Similar activities you might enjoy

If you like Target Number, these activities work similar skills:

Group calculation challenges

Write a target on the board and hand out random numbers. First to reach it wins.

Operations board games

Many board games focus on combining mathematical operations. Check your local shop.

24 Challenge

With 4 numbers and 4 operations, try to reach exactly 24. Works with regular playing cards.

🍪

We use cookies

Tuthor uses essential cookies to work and, with your permission, analytics cookies to improve the experience.