Of these five figures, which shaded area is the greatest? The large circle in each figure has the same radii.
A circle is inscribed in a triangle which has side lengths of 8, 15 and 17 cm. What is the radius of the circle?
It is obvious that we can fit four circles of diameter 1 unit in a square of side 2 without overlapping. What is the smallest square into which we can fit 3 circles of diameter 1 unit?
You are given a circle with centre O. Describe how to construct with a straight edge and a pair of compasses, two other circles centre O so that the three circles have areas in the ratio 1:2:3.
This pattern of six circles contains three unit circles. Work out the radii of the other three circles and the relationship between them.
What is the sum of the angles of a triangle whose sides are circular arcs on a flat surface? What if the triangle is on the surface of a sphere?
Six circles around a central circle make a flower. Watch the flower as you change the radii in this circle packing. Prove that with the given ratios of the radii the petals touch and fit perfectly.
This solution treats the problem as open ended and gives an account of further work involving analagous situations and investigation of the topic using the web.
Go to last month's problems to see more solutions.
Imagine a rectangular tray lying flat on a table. Suppose that a plate lies on the tray and rolls around, in contact with the sides as it rolls. What can we say about the motion?
A game for 1 or 2 people. Use the interactive version, or play with friends. Try to round up as many counters as possible.