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Pebbles

Place four pebbles on the sand in the form of a square. Keep adding as few pebbles as necessary to double the area. How many extra pebbles are added each time?

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Counting Factors

Is there an efficient way to work out how many factors a large number has?

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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.

Divisible Digits

Age 11 to 14 Short Challenge Level:

I wrote down a 4-digit number that was divisible by 3, 4, 5 and 6, but I spilt a cup of tea on it and can only see the first two digits.

The first two digits are 95 (in that order). What were the last two?


This problem is adapted from the World Mathematics Championships
You can find more short problems, arranged by curriculum topic, in our short problems collection.
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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