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Here to There 1 2 3

Move from the START to the FINISH by moving across, down or up to the next square. You can only move into each square once.

Add the numbers as you go.

 

 Four by four grid containing numbers 1, 2 nd 3

 

Find the path that gives the smallest total.

Find the path that gives the highest total.

Find a path that equals exactly 12.

How many paths make 12?


Why do this problem?

This activity can be fun to do and the pupils will be doing a number of calculations - probably without them realising it. It has the facility to be extended very easily. This problem provides children with the opportunity to make sense of numbers and reason about them. Systematic working is also involved.

Possible approach


Key questions

How did you decide on your route?

Possible extension

Ask the pupils to invent new ones and ask them how they make them harder/easier.

Possible support

Some templates of the 4 by 4 square could be useful.