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How to Make a Math 24 Game

Math 24 is a game that helps children learn the order of operations. It also helps them learn different mathematical symbols and figure out how to use them. The game has a series of cards with four numbers on each. The object is to organize the numbers to make 24. Making your own version of the game allows you to practice these skills. The homemade version of the game is often called "Make 24."

Things You'll Need

Deck of playing cards

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a playing surface. Make sure you have enough chairs for everyone who wants to play and a clean, flat playing surface. You can play with as few as two players, but any number can play. Sit in a circle to play.
- 2
  Shuffle a deck of playing cards. Deal four cards and flip them over. The goal is to figure out a way to make those four cards numbers equal 24.
- 3
  Use arithmetic functions from the order of operations (in this order: parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction) to figure out how to get to 24. For example, if four sixes are dealt, 6 plus 6 plus 6 plus 6 and 6 times 6 minus 6 minus 6 are possible solutions for that round. Aces equal one, Jacks are 11, queens count as 12, and kings are 13.
- 4
  Be the first to touch the cards in the middle of the table and present your solution. The person who gets a correct solution gets the point for that round. If no one at the table can come up with a solution, check if there is a solution on Boergens Make 24 Solver. Sometimes there is no solution. Whoever wins the most points over the evening, wins the game.

Kids Games