Transferring

In the third stage of the problem-solving process, learners are aiming for generalisation and possibly proof.  (See the article Mastering Mathematics: The Challenge of Generalising and Proof.)  A key skill in moving towards generalisation and proof is being able to transfer your thinking from one example to another new example.  Similarities and differences between the two cases may become apparent.  Exploring further examples means that strategies might emerge which always work, which is the essence of a generalisation. 

The tasks below provide opportunities for learners to get better at transferring their thinking.

Two-digit Targets

Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

You have a set of the digits from 0 – 9. Can you arrange these in the five boxes to make two-digit numbers as close to the targets as possible?

Secret Number

Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level

Annie and Ben are playing a game with a calculator. What was Annie's secret number?

Dotty Six

Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level

Dotty Six is a simple dice game that you can adapt in many ways.

Display Boards

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

Design an arrangement of display boards in the school hall which fits the requirements of different people.

Curious Number

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

Can you order the digits from 1-3 to make a number which is divisible by 3 so when the last digit is removed it becomes a 2-figure number divisible by 2, and so on?

Dice in a Corner

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level

How could you arrange at least two dice in a stack so that the total of the visible spots is 18?

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.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.