Colour in the Square

Problem | Teachers' Notes | Hint | Solution | Printable page |
Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Why do this problem?

This problem is one that requires working systematically. It is a good activity for promoting discussion between learners working together and also for giving encouragement to those whose spacial ability is better than their numerical achievements.

Key questions

Which row and which column have none of that colour in them?
Have you checked the diagonals as well as the rows and columns?

Possible extension

Learners could try other-sized squares such as $4\times 4$ and $6\times 6$. With some squares it is possible to place one colour correctly but no more. Of which sized squares is this true?

Possible support

You could suggest starting with just one colour, then fitting in the other colours, one at a time.

Published January 2002.