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Here to There 1 2 3

Stage: 1 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

Why do this problem?

This activity can be fun to do and involves the pupils doing a number of calculations - probably without them realising it. It has the facility to be extended very easily. This problem provides children with the opportunity to make sense of numbers and reason about them. Systematic working is also involved.

Key questions

How did you decide on your route?

Possible extension

Ask the pupils to invent new ones and ask them how they make them harder/easier.

Possible support

Some templates of the 4 by 4 square could be useful.


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.