Good thinkers are resilient. They don't give up easily, and are motivated to work hard and keep going when faced with challenges. They recognise that we all fail sometimes, and when this happens, they bounce back and try alternative approaches.
How can you become a resilient mathematician?
Here are some problems that may require some determination. The solutions may not be immediately obvious, so you will need to persevere. Success can be sweeter after a struggle!
You can browse through the Number, Measures, Geometry or Statistics collections, or scroll down to see the full set of problems below.
Being resilient - Upper Primary Number
Being resilient - Upper Primary Measures
Being resilient - Upper Primary Geometry
Being resilient - Upper Primary Statistics
Plants
The deca tree
Fractional triangles
Use the lines on this figure to show how the square can be divided into 2 halves, 3 thirds, 6 sixths and 9 ninths.
Nine-pin triangles
How many different triangles can you make on a circular pegboard that has nine pegs?
Brush loads
How can you arrange the 5 cubes so that you need the smallest number of Brush Loads of paint to cover them? Try with other numbers of cubes as well.
Shape times shape
These eleven shapes each stand for a different number. Can you use the number sentences to work out what they are?
Treasure hunt
Can you find a reliable strategy for choosing coordinates that will locate the treasure in the minimum number of guesses?
Factors and multiples game
A game in which players take it in turns to choose a number. Can you block your opponent?
Cut nets
Each of the nets of nine solid shapes has been cut into two pieces. Can you see which pieces go together?
Eight hidden squares
On the graph there are 28 marked points. These points all mark the vertices (corners) of eight hidden squares. Can you find the eight hidden squares?
Spiralling decimals
Take turns to place a decimal number on the spiral. Can you get three consecutive numbers?
Maze 100
Numerically equal
Can you draw a square in which the perimeter is numerically equal to the area?
Factor lines
Ten hidden squares
These points all mark the vertices (corners) of ten hidden squares. Can you find the 10 hidden squares?
More children and plants
The dice train
Two and two
How many solutions can you find to this sum? Each of the different letters stands for a different number.
Frogs