Printable color by number math
Pick the operation, the picture and the level, then print. Every square holds a problem: the child solves it, colors by the answer and finds the hidden picture.
Preview of the printable sheet: Color by number math
In the print window, set the paper to A4 or Letter and the scale to 100%.
- A4 or Letter paper
- Colored pencils or crayons in the colors of the key
- Pencil and eraser for the math
How does color by number math work?
In a color by number math worksheet, every square of the grid holds a math problem. The child solves it, finds the answer in the key and colors the square with that color. When all the squares are colored, a hidden picture shows up, like a heart or a rocket. This page makes addition, subtraction and multiplication sheets, with answers.
How to use it
- Pick the operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, mixed or numbers only.
- Pick the picture or leave it on Surprise, so the child does not know what will show up.
- Pick the level and tap Print the sheet.
- The child first colors the little squares of the key, one of each color.
- Then the child solves the problem in each square, finds the answer in the key and colors the square with that color.
- At the end, check with the answer sheet.
Operations and levels
- Easy addition: numbers from 1 to 9. Medium addition: numbers from 2 to 20.
- Easy subtraction: take away 1 to 9, with numbers up to 18. Medium subtraction: numbers up to 50.
- Easy multiplication: times tables from 1 to 5. Medium multiplication: times tables from 2 to 9.
- Easy mixed: addition and subtraction on the same sheet. Medium mixed: addition, subtraction and multiplication.
- Numbers: the square shows only the number. It is for young children who are still learning to recognize numbers.
How the sheet is built
- Each color gets one or more answers. The key shows which ones.
- The same answer comes from different problems: 8 can be 5 + 3 in one square and 6 + 2 in another.
- The background has problems too. That way the picture only shows up after coloring.
- Every tap on Make another sheet draws new problems, even with the same picture.
Tips for the classroom and for home
- Ask the child to write the answer very small in the corner of the square before coloring.
- To check fast, look at the picture: a square with the wrong color shows which problem came out different from expected.
- On the answer sheet, every square carries the letter of its color. It works even when printed in black and white.
- If a color is missing, swap it: agree on the swap and write it on the key.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sheet come with answers?
Yes. The answer sheet shows the finished picture, with the letter of the color in every square. The letters are in the key, so it also works printed in black and white.
Which operation should I pick?
Pick the one the child is practicing. For children who do not do math yet, use the Numbers option: the square shows only the number and the child colors it with that number's color.
Do the problems repeat?
Every sheet grows from a number picked at random, printed at the bottom. The problems change on every sheet, and the same answer comes from different problems.
Can I choose the picture?
Yes. There is a heart, a star, a fish, a flower, a house, a rocket, a cat, a tree, a sun, a boat and a butterfly. On Surprise, the draw picks the picture.
Do I need a color printer?
No. The sheet is black and white: the key shows the name of each color and a little square for the child to color as a sample.
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