Many people think of algebra as dealing with solving equations that have letters and numbers, and that it is completely unrelated to anything outside the math classroom. Also, teachers have a difficult time motivating students to learn algebra. I have found that not only are number/magic puzzles quite common outside the classroom, but also that they motivate students, and that teachers can successfully use such number puzzles as an interesting lead-in to algebra. Here I discuss two number/magic puzzles that can be demystified and explained by using algebra.
