Analysing - June 2009, Stage 2&3

Analysing a problem in order to decide on appropriate mathematical procedures plays a key role in successful problem-solving. • Do we estimate or approximate or do we use more accurate methods of calculation? • Do we use diagrams or graphs? • Do we manipulate numbers or use algebraic techniques? • Do we check our working regularly? • Do we record our work, our solutions and our conclusions in the most effective way? These are some of the important questions that we may need to ask ourselves.

Problems

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Today's Date - 01/06/2009

Stage: 1 and 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

What do you notice about the date 03.06.09? Or 08.01.09? This challenge invites you to investigate some interesting dates yourself.

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Holes

Stage: 1 and 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

I've made some cubes and some cubes with holes in. This challenge invites you to explore the difference in the number of small cubes I've used. Can you see any patterns?

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Cutting it Out

Stage: 1 and 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

I cut this square into two different shapes. What can you say about the relationship between them?

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Which Scripts?

Stage: 2 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

There are six numbers written in five different scripts. Can you sort out which is which?

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Fractions in a Box

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

The discs for this game are kept in a flat square box with a square hole for each disc. Use the information to find out how many discs of each colour there are in the box.

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The Magic Number and the Hepta-tree

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

Find the exact difference between the largest ball and the smallest ball on the Hepta Tree and then use this to work out the MAGIC NUMBER!

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Keep it Simple

Stage: 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Can all unit fractions be written as the sum of two unit fractions?

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Egyptian Fractions

Stage: 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

The Egyptians expressed all fractions as the sum of different unit fractions. Here is a chance to explore how they could have written different fractions.

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The Greedy Algorithm

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

The Egyptians expressed all fractions as the sum of different unit fractions. The Greedy Algorithm might provide us with an efficient way of doing this.

Elsewhere...