Work out the pattern. The formula follows.
Most math arrives as a rule to memorize. Here, your child notices the pattern first, tests it, and only then finds the formula, so it still makes sense when the question changes.
Math Magic Missions
Six short printable books, each on one family of mental-math tricks. In every mission your child cracks the pattern, sees why the trick works, practises it, then plays a game with it.
- 1Squaring SecretsSquare numbers in your headOut now
- 2Multiplication Shortcuts×5, ×9, ×11, ×25 and numbers near 100Out now
- 3Division and DivisibilityFast division and quick divisibility checksComing soon
- 4Adding and SubtractingMental shortcuts for big sumsPlanned
- 5Percentages and CheckingPercent tricks and checking your answersPlanned
- 6Square and Cube RootsChallenge tricks to finish the seriesPlanned
Gridhaven
Most students meet coordinate geometry as a list of formulas to memorise. In Gridhaven, each formula is a tool your child needs to rebuild a town after a storm. They discover the rule on a real map before it is named, practise it with fresh numbers, then use it to solve requests from the townspeople, so they understand why each formula works, not just how to use it.
- 1The Lost MapPlotting and reading pointsFree now
- 2Missions 2 to 9Quadrants, distance, midpoint, section formula, slope, collinearity and area, ending with the Founders’ FairComing soon
Why start here: It’s the first step of the coordinate geometry chapter, taught through a story: your child pins landmarks, fixes rival planner Leo’s swapped coordinates, and follows map directions.
Find out where your child actually stands.
Short checks, every question tagged by skill. At the end you get a report showing what is solid, what is shaky, and what to fix first. No guessing, no sales call.
Free · 8 to 15 minutes · No login needed
The PNP Membership
Guided interactive missions for Classes 8–10, chapter by chapter, for students on any board. I’m still building it. Join the free newsletter and you’ll be the first to know when it opens.
Math books that start with the pattern.
Print at home and write on the pages. Every activity starts with discovery, and the formula or trick is named only once your child has worked out why it holds.
Pattern-First Coordinate Geometry
Seven guided activities, a full chapter quiz, and a homework worksheet with complete worked solutions. Each activity opens with a short “Discover it first” box, so your child builds the formula before using it.
- Plot ProRead and plot coordinates on a grid
- Coordinate DecoderTurn a description into a coordinate
- Quadrant MasterSpot quadrants and axes at a glance
- Midpoint MatchBuild the midpoint formula from an average
- Distance CalculatorBuild the distance formula from Pythagoras
- Section FormulaStretch the midpoint idea to any ratio
- Collinearity CheckTest whether three points lie on one line
Free online missions
Play these in your browser before you buy anything.
One method, in two formats.
Whether your child works in a printed book or on a phone, the order never changes. They see why a trick or formula has to be true before they are asked to use it.
Five steps per mission
- MysteryA few surprising answers. Spot the pattern before reading on.
- RevealThe trick, step by step, with worked examples.
- SecretWhy it works, drawn with tiles and then shown with algebra.
- BadgeBronze, Silver and Gold practice to earn the mission badge.
- GameA code to crack, a race to win, or a magic trick for the family.
Six stages per mission
- DiscoverWork with the numbers until the pattern shows itself.
- LearnName what was just found, and write it properly.
- PracticeFresh numbers on every attempt, so there is nothing to memorize.
- Error HuntFind the mistake in someone else’s working.
- ChallengeOne problem that needs the idea, not the procedure.
- Wrap upA short mission report to close the case.
A teacher who built every activity, and answers the questions.
I’m Smita. For the last eight years I have taught and graded mathematics for a US-based competition math program, where students are expected to justify every step and not just reproduce one. Before that I trained as a mechanical engineer and worked in the aeronautical industry, which is where I learned that a formula you can’t derive is a formula you don’t own.
Patterns and Proofs is that standard, brought to families everywhere through printable books, free online missions and games, and soon the PNP Membership, with guided interactive missions for Classes 8–10.
- Teaching8 years with a US competition mathematics program
- BackgroundMechanical engineer, aeronautical industry
- Also writesPatterns and Proofs, a free email newsletter
Watch it explained, or read it in your inbox.
Before you ask me by email
Which curriculum is this for?
None of it is tied to one board. Math Magic Missions teaches mental-math skills for Grades 5–8 that work with any syllabus, the Gridhaven game teaches coordinate geometry from Grade 5 up, and the workbooks cover core ideas found in most Grade 8–9 courses. Your school may order topics differently, so use them alongside what your child is learning in class.
What is Math Magic Missions?
A series of printable books of mental-math tricks. Every trick is set up as a mission: crack the mystery, learn the secret behind it, practise on a Bronze, Silver and Gold ladder, then play a game with it. Book 1, Squaring Secrets, and Book 2, Multiplication Shortcuts, are out now. The first mission of each is free to play online: The Big-Five Blaster and The Eleven Express.
What is Gridhaven?
A story game that teaches the coordinate geometry chapter one mission at a time. Your child plays the new Town Planner of Gridhaven and rebuilds the town district by district. Mission 1, The Lost Map, is free and covers plotting and reading points. The other missions are on their way.
What currency are the prices in?
Prices are in rupees (₹) in India and in US dollars ($) everywhere else. Checkout shows the right one, and you can change the currency at the bottom of any page. Everything is a single payment.
How do I get my book after paying?
The download link appears on your order confirmation page and in your order email.
Can I print a workbook more than once?
Yes. Print as many copies as your own family needs.
Who answers when my child gets stuck?
I do. Write to sm****@***************fs.com and the reply comes from me, not a support team.
Pick the format that fits your family.
Print a book and start tonight, play a free mission or game, or take the free diagnostic and see exactly where your child stands.