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Marbles Two By Two

Time to show your marble collection! Is it unique?

At Mathville’s elementary school, students love marbles! With only a few pieces of information, can you find out why two students have the same number of marbles?

You can solve this puzzle without losing your marbles! But even if you don’t need to use complicated calculations, you might discover a fundamental mathematical principle! Find your own solution, then check the explanations to make sure you’re right.   


  • This puzzle focuses on multiplication and division and can be used to introduce algorithms.

  • Planning notes

  • This puzzle is directed more toward younger students, but is still a good challenge for high school students.

  • Planning notes