Thinking about solutions and solution methods - February 2011, Stage 4&5

This month we explore different ways of solving particular problems. Good problem solvers often reflect on their methods once they have constructed a solution. Is one method best? Most efficient? Most elegant? Would you use an alternative method of solution given the benefit of hindsight?

Problems

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Which Is Cheaper?

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

When I park my car in Mathstown, there are two car parks to choose from. Which car park should I use?

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Which Is Bigger?

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Which is bigger, n+10 or 2n+3? Can you find a good method of answering similar questions?

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How Old Am I?

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

In 15 years' time my age will be the square of my age 15 years ago. Can you work out my age, and when I had other special birthdays?

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Weekly Challenge 22: Combinations of Two

Stage: 4 and 5 Short Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

A weekly challenge: these are shorter problems aimed at Post-16 students or enthusiastic younger students.

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A Long Time at the Till

Stage: 4 and 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

Try to solve this very difficult problem and then study our two suggested solutions. How would you use your knowledge to try to solve variants on the original problem?

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More Dicey Decisions

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

The twelve edge totals of a standard six-sided die are distributed symmetrically. Will the same symmetry emerge with a dodecahedral die?

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Interactive Workout - Further

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Give your further pure mathematics skills a workout with this interactive and reusable set of activities.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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