Mystery Multiplication - Coloring Squared - Free Printable

To solve this Mystery Puzzle, we need to find the product of the two numbers in each box (multiply the number on the left by the number on the top). Then, we use the Key at the bottom left to determine which color to shade that box.

Here is the step-by-step logic for how to fill out the puzzle:

1. Understand the Key

The key tells us what color to use based on the answer (product) we get:
* Tan: If the answer is between 1 and 20.
* Gray: If the answer is between 21 and 40.
* Blue: If the answer is between 41 and 60.
* Brown: If the answer is between 61 and 100.
* Black: If the answer is between 101 and 120.

*(Note: Any answer larger than 120 is usually left blank or white, as it isn't listed in the key.)*

2. How to Solve Each Box

Let’s look at a few examples from the grid to show you how it works. You will need to do this for every single box in the large grid.

Example 1: Top-Left Corner
* The row number is 1.
* The column number is 1.
* Multiply: $1 \times 1 = 1$.
* Check Key: 1 is in the range 1–20.
* Action: Color this box Tan.

Example 2: A bit further down
* Let's pick Row 5 and Column 6.
* Multiply: $5 \times 6 = 30$.
* Check Key: 30 is in the range 21–40.
* Action: Color this box Gray.

Example 3: Higher numbers
* Let's pick Row 8 and Column 8.
* Multiply: $8 \times 8 = 64$.
* Check Key: 64 is in the range 61–100.
* Action: Color this box Brown.

Example 4: Largest numbers
* Let's pick Row 10 and Column 12.
* Multiply: $10 \times 12 = 120$.
* Check Key: 120 is in the range 101–120.
* Action: Color this box Black.

Example 5: Over the limit
* Let's pick Row 12 and Column 12.
* Multiply: $12 \times 12 = 144$.
* Check Key: 144 is bigger than 120. It is not in any color group.
* Action: Leave this box White (uncolored).

3. Strategy for Completing the Whole Grid

Since doing all 144 boxes one by one takes a long time, here is a faster way to think about it:

* Row 1: All answers are 1–12. All are Tan.
* Row 2: Answers are 2, 4, 6... up to 24.
* $2 \times 1$ to $2 \times 10$ (answers 2–20) are Tan.
* $2 \times 11 = 22$ and $2 \times 12 = 24$ are Gray.
* Row 3: Answers are 3, 6, 9... up to 36.
* $3 \times 1$ to $3 \times 6$ (answers 3–18) are Tan.
* $3 \times 7 = 21$ to $3 \times 10 = 30$ are Gray.
* $3 \times 11 = 33$ and $3 \times 12 = 36$ are Gray.
* Row 4: Answers are 4, 8, 12... up to 48.
* $4 \times 1$ to $4 \times 5$ (answers 4–20) are Tan.
* $4 \times 6 = 24$ to $4 \times 10 = 40$ are Gray.
* $4 \times 11 = 44$ and $4 \times 12 = 48$ are Blue.

You continue this pattern for every row. As the numbers get bigger, the colors will change from Tan → Gray → Blue → Brown → Black.

Final Answer:

There is no single numerical answer because this is a coloring activity. To complete the homework:

1. Multiply the row number by the column number for every square.
2. Match your answer to the Key ranges.
3. Color the square with the correct color.

When finished correctly, the colored squares will reveal a hidden picture or pattern (often a shape like a heart, star, or simple object) against the white background of the higher multiplication numbers.