Related Collections

Working Systematically - Lower Secondary

Double Digit

Choose two digits and arrange them to make two double-digit numbers. Now add your double-digit numbers. Now add your single digit numbers. Divide your double-digit answer by your single-digit answer. Try lots of examples. What happens? Can you explain it?

Repeaters

Choose any 3 digits and make a 6 digit number by repeating the 3 digits in the same order (e.g. 594594). Explain why whatever digits you choose the number will always be divisible by 7, 11 and 13.

Big Powers

Three people chose this as a favourite problem. It is the sort of problem that needs thinking time - but once the connection is made it gives access to many similar ideas.

Add to 200

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level

Why do this problem?

This problem offers students an opportunity to practise addition in a more interesting and challenging context than is usual. It requires students to work systematically, record their progress and apply their understanding of place value.

Possible approach

This printable worksheet may be useful: Add to 200.

Start with the grid drawn on the board and ask students to copy it into their books.

Ask them to fill their grid with four digits of their choice. Ask them to read the two 2-digit numbers across and the two 2-digit numbers down, and then add them altogether.

"What totals did you get?"

List some of their totals.

"What questions might a mathematician ask now?"

If few suggestions are forthcoming, suggest:

What totals can be made?
What is the smallest possible total?
What is the largest?
Are all the totals in between possible?
Can some totals be made in more than one way?
Is it possible to make a total of 200?
When are the totals even and when are they odd?

Allow students to work together on a question of their choice.

After some time, bring the group together and discuss any insights they have gained.

Some pairs may have thought about the cells in the grid which make up the units digits of the four numbers, others may have concentrated on the cells which contribute to the tens digits. In either case, encourage them to explain the restrictions they have noticed, and look out for those pairs who are working systematically through the options.

Add to 200 could be used as an activity for students learning to program. They could write a program to find all possible solutions.
For example, this program was written by Nevil Hopley, Head of Mathematics at George Watson's College, for the TI-Nspire software.
If you have the appropriate software, you can download his .tns file here: Add to 200.tns

Key questions

How do the four digits you choose contribute to the units digit in the total?
How do the four digits you choose contribute to the tens digit in the total?

Possible support

Having digit cards available for students to physically manipulate will help those who are reluctant to commit ideas to paper.

Possible extension

Two and Two requires similar systematic thinking and could be a good problem for some students to try next.