Old Timer Puzzle Project
Are there mathematics in puzzles?
Puzzle
The object of the puzzle is to move the markers on the right to where the markers are on the left following these rules:

Put three markers in squares 1, 2, and 3. Leave square 4 empty. Put three different colored markers in squares 5, 6, and 7. The markers on the left side can only move to the right. The markers on the right side can only move to the left. A marker can only move to an adjacent square or jump a marker of a different color.

 1  2  3  4  5  6  7

Click this Puzzle to download and print a copy of the puzzle and rules. You need 3 markers of one color or shape and 3 markers of a different color or shape. (3 pennies and 3 dimes work great). Answer the questions below the puzzle that you downloaded since it will be part of your Old Timer Puzzle Project packet.

As you try to solve this puzzle, what do you think is the least number of moves necessary to move the markers from one side of the board to the other?