Mystery Number

Routine: Students work individually, in pairs or in small groups to determine a mystery number when given a set of clues. This same routine can be done as a MYSTERY FUNCTION or MYSTERY EQUATION. Clues may be presented all together or given one at a time. The creation, sharing and use of clues provides a wealth of experiences with a variety of mathematical ideas. Some of the same ideas that are shared as part of “Today’s Number” may be presented in the clues for the mystery number, but these clues push for a higher level of reasoning.

High-Yield Routines: Mystery Number is one of the seven High-Yield Routines discussed in the book by Ann McCoy, Joann Barnett & Emily Combs and published by NCTM. High-Yield Routines promote critical thinking, make connections and/or create discussion with the goal of getting all your students talking about math from the minute they walk into the classroom. The goal of the high-yield routines is to provide all of your students with an entry point to the discussion, problem & solution.