Logic puzzles, reasoning with numbers, working systematically.
Problem-solving questions reward clear thinking more than hard calculation. Try a simpler case, draw a diagram, make a table, or work backwards.
Many independent schools include these puzzles to see how you think, so show your working even when you’re not sure.
Try each one before you look at the answer: answering from memory is what makes it stick. Tap an option to check it. Most children get three or four right at first; five out of five means move on to the next topic.
8 friends meet and each shakes hands once with every other friend. How many handshakes are there?
Answer: E, 28
Each of the 8 shakes 7 hands, but that counts every handshake twice: 8 × 7 ÷ 2 = 28.
5 friends meet and each shakes hands once with every other friend. How many handshakes are there?
Answer: C, 10
Each of the 5 shakes 4 hands, but that counts every handshake twice: 5 × 4 ÷ 2 = 10.
Two numbers add up to 14 and their difference is 4. What is the larger number?
Answer: D, 9
Larger number = (sum + difference) ÷ 2 = (14 + 4) ÷ 2 = 9.
A farmyard has chickens and sheep. There are 16 heads and 40 legs. How many sheep are there?
Answer: B, 4
7 friends meet and each shakes hands once with every other friend. How many handshakes are there?
Answer: E, 21
Each of the 7 shakes 6 hands, but that counts every handshake twice: 7 × 6 ÷ 2 = 21.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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