List

Mathematical Wizardry

The tasks in this feature all contain tricks that use maths, not magic, to make them work.  Figure out the maths and you too can amaze your friends and family!

What's in a Name?
problem
Favourite

What's in a Name?

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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What do you notice about these squares of numbers? What is the same? What is different?
Unexpected Ordering
problem

Unexpected Ordering

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Watch the video of Fran re-ordering these number cards. What do you notice? Try it for yourself. What happens?
Digit Addition
problem
Favourite

Digit Addition

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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Try out this number trick. What happens with different starting numbers? What do you notice?

Your number is...
problem
Favourite

Your number is...

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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Think of a number and follow the machine's instructions... I know what your number is! Can you explain how I know?
Surprising Split
problem

Surprising Split

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Does this 'trick' for calculating multiples of 11 always work? Why or why not?

The Number Jumbler
problem
Favourite

The Number Jumbler

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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The Number Jumbler can always work out your chosen symbol. Can you work out how?
Truth or Lie
problem

Truth or Lie

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Take a look at the video of this trick. Can you perform it yourself? Why is this maths and not magic?