Diagrams

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Why do this problem?

This problem will encourage learners to visualise and memorise shapes, and then put into words what they see.

Key questions

Can you describe the picture?
What shapes was it made up of?
How would you go about drawing it?
How many squares/triangles do you think there were?

Possible extension

Learners could create their own diagram for others to try in the same way.

Possible support

It may be useful for some children to have copies of the diagrams on this sheet. Some learners may find it very difficult to picture the diagram in their 'mind's eye' so you could suggest they copy the picture instead.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.