You may also like

problem icon

Pyramids

What are the missing numbers in the pyramids?

problem icon

Always the Same

Arrange the numbers 1 to 16 into a 4 by 4 array. Choose a number. Cross out the numbers on the same row and column. Repeat this process. Add up you four numbers. Why do they always add up to 34?

problem icon

Mindreader

A little bit of algebra explains this 'magic'. Ask a friend to pick 3 consecutive numbers and to tell you a multiple of 3. Then ask them to add the four numbers and multiply by 67, and to tell you the last two digits of her answer. Now you can really amaze her by giving the whole answer and the three consecutive numbers used at the start.

Oranges and Lemons, Say the Bells of St Clement's

Stage: 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

An excellent introduction to this sort of bellringing can be found in Ringing Elementary Minor Methods on Handbells by Frank H. King (the Cambridge University Bellringer) and in Wikipedia.

This is the first of three related problems. The second problem is You Owe Me Five Farthings, Say the Bells of St Martin's , and the third is When Will You Pay Me? Say the Bells of Old Bailey .

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
Copyright © 1997 - 2017. University of Cambridge. All rights reserved.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.