Being able to think flexibly is a key ingredient of what it means to be a good mathematician. The problems in this feature challenge you to explore different ways of arriving at a solution.
problem
Countdown fractions
Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
Here is a chance to play a fractions version of the classic Countdown Game.
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Favourite
Countdown
Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
Here is a chance to play a version of the classic Countdown Game.
problem
The square under the hypotenuse
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Can you work out the side length of a square that just touches the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle?
problem
The farmers' field boundary
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
The farmers want to redraw their field boundary but keep the area the same. Can you advise them?
problem
Shear magic
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
Explore the area of families of parallelograms and triangles. Can you find rules to work out the areas?
problem
Triangle in a trapezium
Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
Can you find and prove the relationship between the area of a trapezium and the area of a triangle constructed within it?
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Which way?
The tasks in this feature encourage you to make a deliberate choice about the way you solve a calculation.
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OLD Thinking mathematically - Secondary students
A collection of resources aimed to help secondary students to think like mathematicians