
Many numbers can be expressed as the sum of two or more consecutive integers. For example, 15=7+8 and 10=1+2+3+4. Can you say which numbers can be expressed in this way?

You have been given nine weights, one of which is slightly heavier than the rest. Can you work out which weight is heavier in just two weighings of the balance?

The letters in the following addition sum represent the digits 1 ... 9. If A=3 and D=2, what number is represented by "CAYLEY"?

Different combinations of the weights available allow you to make different totals. Which totals can you make?

Can you find six numbers to go in the Daisy from which you can make all the numbers from 1 to a number bigger than 35?

Find the smallest whole number which, when mutiplied by 7, gives a product consisting entirely of ones.

Find the values of the nine letters in the sum: FOOT + BALL = GAME

Five numbers added together in pairs produce: 0, 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 What are the five numbers?

The idea of this game is to add or subtract the two numbers on the dice and cover the result on the grid, trying to get a line of three. Are there some numbers that are good to aim for?

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

Bellringers have a special way to write down the patterns they ring. Learn about these patterns and draw some of your own.

Do you notice anything about the solutions when you add and/or subtract consecutive negative numbers?
Find out about Magic Squares in this article written for students. Why are they magic?!
The NRICH team are always looking for new ways to engage teachers and pupils in problem solving. Here we explain the thinking behind maths trails.

Can you arrange the numbers 1 to 17 in a row so that each adjacent pair adds up to a square number?

Using the same starter numbers 2, 1, 4 and 6 can you get a larger total at the top of the pyramid? What is the largest total you can get?

Make your own double-sided magic square. But can you complete both sides once you've made the pieces?

Ever thought of playing three dimensional Noughts and Crosses? This problem might help you visualise what's involved.

The letters of the word ABACUS have been arranged in the shape of a triangle. How many different ways can you find to read the word ABACUS from this triangular pattern?

Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.

An extra constraint means this Sudoku requires you to think in diagonals as well as horizontal and vertical lines and boxes of nine.

A cinema has 100 seats. Show how it is possible to sell exactly 100 tickets and take exactly £100 if the prices are £10 for adults, 50p for pensioners and 10p for children.

This pair of linked Sudokus matches letters with numbers and hides a seasonal greeting. Can you find it?

Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.

Find a cuboid (with edges of integer values) that has a surface area of exactly 100 square units. Is there more than one? Can you find them all?
This second Sudoku article discusses "Corresponding Sudokus" which are pairs of Sudokus with terms that can be matched using a substitution rule.

Take some time to look at the route the arrows follow in this diagram. Through how many points does the route pass before it reaches the point (9,4)?

This sudoku requires you to have "double vision" - two Sudoku's for the price of one

A package contains a set of resources designed to develop students’ mathematical thinking. This package places a particular emphasis on “being systematic” and is designed to meet. . . .

Charlie and Lynne put a counter on 42. They wondered if they could visit all the other numbers on their 1-100 board, moving the counter using just these two operations: x2 and -5. What do you think?

A Sudoku that uses transformations as supporting clues.

Rather than using the numbers 1-9, this sudoku uses the nine different letters used to make the words "Advent Calendar".

There are nine teddies in Teddy Town - three red, three blue and three yellow. There are also nine houses, three of each colour. Can you put them on the map of Teddy Town according to the rules?

The number of plants in Mr McGregor's magic potting shed increases overnight. He'd like to put the same number of plants in each of his gardens, planting one garden each day. How can he do it?

Whenever a monkey has peaches, he always keeps a fraction of them each day, gives the rest away, and then eats one. How long could he make his peaches last for?

What is the smallest number of jumps needed before the white rabbits and the grey rabbits can continue along their path?
This article for teachers describes several games, found on the site, all of which have a related structure that can be used to develop the skills of strategic planning.

The Zargoes use almost the same alphabet as English. What does this birthday message say?

Seven friends went to a fun fair with lots of scary rides. They decided to pair up for rides until each friend had ridden once with each of the others. What was the total number rides?

The planet of Vuvv has seven moons. Can you work out how long it is between each super-eclipse?

Sitting around a table are three girls and three boys. Use the clues to work out were each person is sitting.

A game for 2 people. Take turns placing a counter on the star. You win when you have completed a line of 3 in your colour.

Only one side of a two-slice toaster is working. What is the quickest way to toast both sides of three slices of bread?

If you are given the mean, median and mode of five positive whole numbers, can you find the numbers?

Mr McGregor has a magic potting shed. Overnight, the number of plants in it doubles. He'd like to put the same number of plants in each of three gardens, planting one garden each day. Can he do it?

Can you work out the arrangement of the digits in the square so that the given products are correct? The numbers 1 - 9 may be used once and once only.

A merchant brings four bars of gold to a jeweller. How can the jeweller use the scales just twice to identify the lighter, fake bar?

Arrange the four number cards on the grid, according to the rules, to make a diagonal, vertical or horizontal line.

What do the numbers shaded in blue on this hundred square have in common? What do you notice about the pink numbers? How about the shaded numbers in the other squares?

Make a pair of cubes that can be moved to show all the days of the month from the 1st to the 31st.