How to play Number Memory
Study numbers in coloured shapes for a short time, then answer surprise questions about them from memory. Also known as Memory maths game.
The rules
- Numbers appear inside coloured objects — balloons, cards, circles, stars and more — scattered or in a grid.
- You have a set time to study them (or press I’m ready). The questions are not shown in advance.
- When time is up the display is hidden, and questions follow one at a time.
- Questions cover counting, colours and shapes, positions, odd and even, primes, digits, sums, differences and factors. Each has one right answer.
Playing Number Memory on Puzzle Solvers
- Choose a level, how long you get to look, how the display is hidden, the objects, layout and number of questions. Press New Puzzle.
- Study the display until the time runs out — or press I’m ready. The questions are a surprise.
- Then the numbers are hidden and questions appear one at a time: tap your answer (or type it, if you switch that on).
- Hint flashes the objects a question is about (or the whole display), then crosses out two wrong answers. Hints lower your score.
A worked example
The display shows 7 numbers: a red balloon 12, a blue star 7, a red card 9, and so on. Time runs out and the first question is: how many red objects were there?
If you counted colours while looking, it's an easy 2. The next — how many of the numbers were prime? — needs the numbers themselves: 7 is prime, 9 and 12 are not.
Strategies
- Group by colour. Count each colour as you look — colour questions are common and quick to remember.
- Say the big and small. Note the largest and smallest numbers and what they were in; many questions use them.
- Corners and edges. In a grid, remember the four corners and the first row — position questions start there.
- Tally as you go. Keep a quick running count of odd numbers or multiples of 5 while you look.
Common mistakes
- Trying to remember every number exactly instead of the big picture: colours, shapes, largest and smallest.
- Using a hint too early — each one lowers your score.
Where it comes from
The Number Memory Challenge was made for this site, combining classic observation games with number-property questions from the primary and lower-secondary curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two scores?
Observation & Memory counts questions about what you saw (counts, colours, shapes, positions); Mathematical reasoning counts questions that also need maths (primes, digits, sums, factors).
Can I replay the same display?
Yes — after the results, press Same display, new questions for a fresh set of questions on the same picture.
Is there a daily challenge?
Yes — press Today’s puzzle for the same display as everyone else today.
Keep going
- Play Number Memorya fresh puzzle every time
- Number SearchSolve each maths clue, then find its answer hidden in the grid of digits.
- Magic PathFind every number that fits the rule and join them all in one continuous path.
- Dynamic PathA maths question flashes up: find its answer on the grid and step onto it…
All guides: How to play every puzzle and game.