Expanding and factorising quadratics

  • Code to Zero
    problem

    Code to Zero

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Find all 3 digit numbers such that by adding the first digit, the square of the second and the cube of the third you get the original number, for example 1 + 3^2 + 5^3 = 135.

  • Fibonacci Factors
    problem

    Fibonacci Factors

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    For which values of n is the Fibonacci number fn even? Which Fibonnaci numbers are divisible by 3?

  • Unit interval
    problem

    Unit Interval

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Can you prove our inequality holds for all values of x and y between 0 and 1?

  • Powerful Factors
    problem

    Powerful Factors

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Use the fact that: x²-y² = (x-y)(x+y) and x³+y³ = (x+y) (x²-xy+y²) to find the highest power of 2 and the highest power of 3 which divide 5^{36}-1.

  • Spot the difference
    problem

    Spot the Difference

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    If you plot these graphs they may look the same, but are they?

  • Poly Fibs
    problem

    Poly Fibs

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A sequence of polynomials starts 0, 1 and each poly is given by combining the two polys in the sequence just before it. Investigate and prove results about the roots of the polys.

  • Purple crocuses in the snow.
    problem

    Polar Flower

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    This polar equation is a quadratic. Plot the graph given by each factor to draw the flower.

  • Telescoping Functions
    article

    Telescoping Functions

    Take a complicated fraction with the product of five quartics top and bottom and reduce this to a whole number. This is a numerical example involving some clever algebra.