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I Like to Prove It!

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Mathematicians aren't usually satisfied with looking at a few examples and spotting patterns. That is just the start! They will form conjectures based on their noticings and they will want to know whether their conjectures are always true. The tasks in this feature give you the chance to identify patterns, make conjectures and then create mathematical arguments that will be convincing to mathematicians!

You may also like to take a look at our Shape Your Proof feature which gives you tasks for a similar purpose but in the context of number.

Next-door Numbers
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Next-door Numbers

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Florence, Ethan and Alma have each added together two 'next-door' numbers. What is the same about their answers?
Strike it out
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Favourite

Strike it Out

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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Use your addition and subtraction skills, combined with some strategic thinking, to beat your partner at this game.

Even and odd
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Favourite

Even and odd

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This activity is best done with a whole class or in a large group. Can you match the cards? What happens when you add pairs of the numbers together?
Two numbers under the microscope
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Favourite

Two numbers under the microscope

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This investigates one particular property of number by looking closely at an example of adding two odd numbers together.
Take three numbers
problem
Favourite

Take three numbers

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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What happens when you add three numbers together? Will your answer be odd or even? How do you know?

Neighbourly Addition
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Neighbourly Addition

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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I added together some of my neighbours' house numbers. Can you explain the patterns I noticed?
Unravelling Sequences
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Unravelling Sequences

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Can you describe what is happening as this program runs? Can you unpick the steps in the process?
An Easy Way to Multiply by 10?
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Favourite

An Easy Way to Multiply by 10?

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Do you agree with Badger's statements? Is Badger's reasoning 'watertight'? Why or why not?
Three neighbours
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Favourite

Three neighbours

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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Take three consecutive numbers and add them together. What do you notice?