Explaining, convincing and proving

  • Orthogonal Circle
    problem
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    Orthogonal Circle

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Given any three non intersecting circles in the plane find another circle or straight line which cuts all three circles orthogonally.

  • Binary Squares
    problem

    Binary Squares

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    If a number N is expressed in binary by using only 'ones,' what can you say about its square (in binary)?

  • Square Pair Circles
    problem

    Square Pair Circles

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Investigate the number of points with integer coordinates on circles with centres at the origin for which the square of the radius is a power of 5.

  • Eyes Down
    problem
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    Eyes Down

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    The symbol [ ] means 'the integer part of'. Can the numbers [2x]; 2[x]; [x + 1/2] + [x - 1/2] ever be equal? Can they ever take three different values?
  • Tetra Perp
    problem
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    Tetra Perp

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Show that the edges $AD$ and $BC$ of a tetrahedron $ABCD$ are mutually perpendicular if and only if $AB^2 +CD^2 = AC^2+BD^2$. This problem uses the scalar product of two vectors.

  • Polite Numbers
    problem

    Polite Numbers

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A polite number can be written as the sum of two or more consecutive positive integers, for example 8+9+10=27 is a polite number. Can you find some more polite, and impolite, numbers?
  • Cubestick
    problem
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    Cubestick

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Stick some cubes together to make a cuboid. Find two of the angles by as many different methods as you can devise.

  • Impossible square?
    problem

    Impossible Square?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Can you make a square from these triangles?
  • Impossible triangles?
    problem

    Impossible Triangles?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Which of these triangular jigsaws are impossible to finish?
  • Mind your \Ps and \Qs
    problem

    Mind Your Ps and Qs

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Sort these mathematical propositions into a series of 8 correct statements.