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Prompt Cards

These two group activities use mathematical reasoning - one is numerical, one geometric.

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Consecutive Numbers

An investigation involving adding and subtracting sets of consecutive numbers. Lots to find out, lots to explore.

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Exploring Wild & Wonderful Number Patterns

EWWNP means Exploring Wild and Wonderful Number Patterns Created by Yourself! Investigate what happens if we create number patterns using some simple rules.

1, 2, 3 Magic Square

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Why do this problem?

This problem requires only simple adding, but also persistence and logical thinking.

Key questions

What do one, two and three add to?
Which of the numbers, when multiplied by three, will come to the total you want in each of the rows?
What do three twos add to?
How many completely different solutions can you find?

Possible extension

Learners could try this activity with other sets of three consecutive numbers.

Possible support

Suggest using the interactivity or counters marked appropriately on a $3 \times 3$ square.

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.