Operations and Algebraic Thinking games

Explore operations and algebraic thinking across grades. Choose by skill and readiness; the grades are a starting point, and this collection does not cover a whole curriculum.

Each game explains the Common Core connection it supports, or identifies itself as supplemental practice. Schools may teach topics in a different sequence. Read how we choose games.

Grade 1: Number bonds to 10

A number bond is a pair of numbers that join together to make a total. The number bonds to 10 are 0 + 10, 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6 and 5 + 5, plus the same pairs the other way round. There are 11 ways to make 10 with whole numbers, starting at 0 + 10 and finishing at 10 + 0.

Supports part of Common Core 1.OA.C.6. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.

Common Core connection: 1.OA.C.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play Number bonds to 10 · Free printable

Grade 1: Adding and subtracting within 20

In the game, children balance the scales: they choose the number that makes both sides equal, such as 8 + ? = 15 or 9 + 6 = 10 + ?, which shows that = means “the same as”. The Quick quiz mixes four kinds of question: addition (8 + 5 = ?), subtraction (14 − 6 = ?), a missing first number (? + 4 = 11) and a calculation written the 'other way round' (7 = ? − 9). Seeing the equals sign in different positions teaches the important idea that = means 'is the same as', not 'here comes the answer'.

Supports part of Common Core 1.OA.C.6. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.

Common Core connection: 1.OA.C.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play Adding and subtracting within 20 · Free printable

Grade 2: Addition and subtraction facts to 20

This is a sprint game: children type as many answers as they can in 60 seconds. The questions include straightforward facts (9 + 6 = ?), subtractions (17 − 8 = ?) and missing number forms (? + 5 = 13). Regular short sprints are one of the best ways to build fluency, and the timer shows progress clearly.

Supports part of Common Core 2.OA.B.2. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.

Common Core connection: 2.OA.B.2. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play Addition and subtraction facts to 20 · Free printable

Grade 3: 2, 5 and 10 times tables

These tables are chosen first because they connect to things children already know: counting in 2s, 5s and 10s, pairs of socks, fingers on a hand, and coins. The game mixes multiplication questions (6 × 5 = ?) with division questions (35 ÷ 5 = ?) because knowing a fact means being able to use it both ways.

Practices multiplication and division facts connected to Common Core 3.OA.C.7. Factors extend through 12, so some questions go beyond the one-digit facts and within-100 fluency target; use those as extra challenge. This is not full coverage of the standard.

Common Core connection: 3.OA.C.7. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play 2, 5 and 10 times tables · Free printable

Grade 3: 3, 4 and 8 times tables

The 2, 4 and 8 tables are closely linked by doubling, and the 3 table links to counting in threes and to finding thirds. The game is a 60-second sprint mixing multiplication and division facts, so children practice using each fact both ways round.

Practices multiplication and division facts connected to Common Core 3.OA.C.7. Factors extend through 12, so some questions go beyond the one-digit fact-recall target. Use the extra facts as challenge practice, rather than as the standard itself.

Common Core connection: 3.OA.C.7. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play 3, 4 and 8 times tables · Free printable

Grade 4: Factors, multiples and primes

The quiz mixes three types of question: 'Which of these is a prime number?', 'Which of these is a factor of 36?' and 'Which of these is a multiple of 7?'. Exactly one of the four choices is correct each time. For the prime questions, the wrong choices are odd numbers that look prime but are not, such as 51, 57 and 91.

Supports part of Common Core 4.OA.B.4. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.

Common Core connection: 4.OA.B.4. This is focused practice for part of the standard.

Play Factors, multiples and primes · Free printable