List

Exploring our number system

Simple ideas, like adding together two odds to make an even, can lead to fascinating insights with important real world applications.

In this feature, we have chosen some resources from the Exploring Our Number System pathway on wild.maths.org.

Here's how you can send your solutions to these problems.

Charlie's Delightful Machine
problem

Charlie's delightful machine

Age
11 to 16
Play with our interactive machine and see if you can work out how to switch each light on. Is there a way to turn on all four lights at once?
Factors and Multiples Chain
problem

Factors and multiples chain

Age
11 to 16
Each number must be a factor or multiple of the last. What's the longest chain you can make?
Always a multiple?
problem

Always a multiple?

Age
11 to 16
Think of a two digit number, reverse the digits, and add the numbers together. Something special happens...
How to Solve Equations
problem

How to solve equations

Age
11 to 16
Watch this talk by Dr Vicky Neale as she explores some equations, and covers some highlights from the rich history of number theory along the way.