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Be Reasonable

Prove that sqrt2, sqrt3 and sqrt5 cannot be terms of ANY arithmetic progression.

Good Approximations

Solve quadratic equations and use continued fractions to find rational approximations to irrational numbers.

Rational Roots

Given that a, b and c are natural numbers show that if sqrt a+sqrt b is rational then it is a natural number. Extend this to 3 variables.

Road Maker 2

Age 16 to 18 Short
Challenge Level

This problem follows on from Road Maker, where the rules of making roads are detailed in full.

The Munchkin road making authority have commissioned you to work out the possible destinations for their roads. Use Cartesian coordinates where the first tile is placed with opposite corners on $(0,0)$ and $(1,1)$.

Investigate ways in which you can reach your destination. You may like to consider these questions:

  1. Can you make roads with rational values for the $x$ coordinate of the destination?
  2. Can you make roads with rational values for the $y$ coordinate of the destination?
  3. Can you create a road with the $x$ coordinate equal to any integer multiple of one half?
  4. Can you make roads for which the coordinates of the destination are both rational? Both irrational?
  5. Can multiple roads lead to the same destination? For which destinations is the road unique?

 

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.
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