49 is a composite number, and it is 7 squared. 49 = 1 x 49 or 7 x 7. Factors of 49: 1, 7, 49. Prime factorization: 49 = 7 x 7 which can also be written 49 = 7².

Since √49 = 7, a whole number, 49 is a perfect square. 

Whenever 49 is a clue in the FIND THE FACTOR puzzles, write 7 in both the corresponding factor column and factor row.

Level 3 is the first level of the higher level FIND THE FACTORS puzzles. For many people going from level 2 to level 4 would be too overwhelming. Level 3 is a bridge between those two levels and allows a person to move on from the lower levels and victoriously solve a little more difficult puzzle. V is for that victory.

Level 3 puzzles are designed to be solved starting from a row or column at the top of the puzzle with 2 clues. First find the common factor of those two clues that will allow you to write only numbers from 1 to 10 in the first column of the puzzle. Then factor row by row to the bottom of the puzzle making sure each number from 1 to 12 is written only once in both the factor row and the factor column. You will notice a rhythm for the answers as you work.

 

This week’s puzzles are available in an excel file here. If you have a spreadsheet program on your computer, you can access it. If you enable editing in excel, you can type your answers directly onto the puzzle, and you can also easily print the puzzles. May you be victorious in your efforts!

Here are the factors to last week’s level 3 puzzle:

 

This puzzle was solved starting with the column with 2 clues near the top of the puzzle and then factoring row by row until we reached the bottom of the puzzle.