As you are working on a mathematical task, you might come across something unexpected that takes you by surprise.
We hope these problems will surprise you and that you enjoy the challenge of explaining what is going on.
We hope these problems will surprise you and that you enjoy the challenge of explaining what is going on.
problem
How would we count?
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
An activity centred around observations of dots and how we visualise number arrangement patterns.
problem
Square surprise
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
Why do you think that the red player chose that particular dot in this game of Seeing Squares?
problem
Next-door numbers
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Florence, Ethan and Alma have each added together two 'next-door' numbers. What is the same about their answers?
problem
Light the lights
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Investigate which numbers make these lights come on. What is the smallest number you can find that lights up all the lights?
problem
Consecutive numbers
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
An investigation involving adding and subtracting sets of consecutive numbers. Lots to find out, lots to explore.
problem
Subtraction surprise
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
Try out some calculations. Are you surprised by the results?
problem
Pouring problem
Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
What do you think is going to happen in this video clip? Are you surprised?
list
Codebreakers
Can you crack the code, solve the puzzle and think like a mathematician? Have a go at one of our puzzles and send us your solution.