Filter by: Content type: ALL Problems Articles Games Stage: All Stage 1&2 Stage 2&3 Stage 3&4 Stage 4&5 Challenge level:
The Man is much smaller than us. Can you use the picture of him next to a mug to estimate his height and how much tea he drinks?
If you split the square into these two pieces, it is possible to fit the pieces together again to make a new shape. How many new shapes can you make?
Use the three triangles to fill these outline shapes. Perhaps you can create some of your own shapes for a friend to fill?
Take a rectangle of paper and fold it in half, and half again, to make four smaller rectangles. How many different ways can you fold it up?
What happens to the area of a square if you double the length of the sides? Try the same thing with rectangles, diamonds and other shapes. How do the four smaller ones fit into the larger one?
These pictures show squares split into halves. Can you find other ways?
You have a set of the digits from 0 – 9. Can you arrange these in the 5 boxes to make two-digit numbers as close to the targets as possible?
Our 2008 Advent Calendar has a 'Making Maths' activity for every day in the run-up to Christmas.
NRICH December 2006 advent calendar - a new tangram for each day in the run-up to Christmas.
Take 5 cubes of one colour and 2 of another colour. How many different ways can you join them if the 5 must touch the table and the 2 must not touch the table?
Can you deduce the pattern that has been used to lay out these bottle tops?
Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
An activity making various patterns with 2 x 1 rectangular tiles.
Here is a version of the game 'Happy Families' for you to make and play.
Arrange 9 red cubes, 9 blue cubes and 9 yellow cubes into a large 3 by 3 cube. No row or column of cubes must contain two cubes of the same colour.
Using different numbers of sticks, how many different triangles are you able to make? Can you make any rules about the numbers of sticks that make the most triangles?
We went to the cinema and decided to buy some bags of popcorn so we asked about the prices. Investigate how much popcorn each bag holds so find out which we might have bought.
In how many ways can you fit two of these yellow triangles together? Can you predict the number of ways two blue triangles can be fitted together?
Try continuing these patterns made from triangles. Can you create your own repeating pattern?
This was a problem for our birthday website. Can you use four of these pieces to form a square? How about making a square with all five pieces?
This practical investigation invites you to make tessellating shapes in a similar way to the artist Escher.
Explore the triangles that can be made with seven sticks of the same length.
What is the largest number of circles we can fit into the frame without them overlapping? How do you know? What will happen if you try the other shapes?
If these balls are put on a line with each ball touching the one in front and the one behind, which arrangement makes the shortest line of balls?
Can you create more models that follow these rules?
This problem focuses on Dienes' Logiblocs. What is the same and what is different about these pairs of shapes? Can you describe the shapes in the picture?
In this challenge, you will work in a group to investigate circular fences enclosing trees that are planted in square or triangular arrangements.
Is there a best way to stack cans? What do different supermarkets do? How high can you safely stack the cans?
How many different cuboids can you make when you use four CDs or DVDs? How about using five, then six?
Can you predict when you'll be clapping and when you'll be clicking if you start this rhythm? How about when a friend begins a new rhythm at the same time?
A group of children are discussing the height of a tall tree. How would you go about finding out its height?
If you'd like to know more about Primary Maths Masterclasses, this is the package to read! Find out about current groups in your region or how to set up your own.
Follow the diagrams to make this patchwork piece, based on an octagon in a square.
Can you see which tile is the odd one out in this design? Using the basic tile, can you make a repeating pattern to decorate our wall?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of the lobster, yacht and cyclist?
Looking at the picture of this Jomista Mat, can you decribe what you see? Why not try and make one yourself?
Kaia is sure that her father has worn a particular tie twice a week in at least five of the last ten weeks, but her father disagrees. Who do you think is right?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of the child walking home from school?
Let's say you can only use two different lengths - 2 units and 4 units. Using just these 2 lengths as the edges how many different cuboids can you make?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Ming playing the board game?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this junk?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of this telephone?
Ahmed is making rods using different numbers of cubes. Which rod is twice the length of his first rod?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Little Fung at the table?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outline of Wai Ping, Wah Ming and Chi Wing?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these clocks?
Have a go at drawing these stars which use six points drawn around a circle. Perhaps you can create your own designs?
Can you fit the tangram pieces into the outlines of these people?
Can you recreate this Indian screen pattern? Can you make up similar patterns of your own?
This practical problem challenges you to create shapes and patterns with two different types of triangle. You could even try overlapping them.