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There's a Limit
Explore the continued fraction: 2+3/(2+3/(2+3/2+...)) What do you notice when successive terms are taken? What happens to the terms if the fraction goes on indefinitely?
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee
Two brothers were left some money, amounting to an exact number of pounds, to divide between them. DEE undertook the division. "But your heap is larger than mine!" cried DUM...
Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level
Countdown Fractions printable sheet
Countdown Fractions printable sheet - cards
If you enjoy playing Countdown you might also enjoy playing this more challenging version with fractions.
The challenge is to use the numbers and fractions available, and the four standard operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) to hit the target.
Start by choosing any six cards. The top row always contains the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the bottom row contains a range of fractions. Alternatively you could click on "Quickstart". Then click on "Generate new target" and the computer will choose a target.
You can only use each card once in your solution, and it is always possible to find a solution without needing to use all the cards.
Once you've had a go, click on "Show solutions" to show some possible ways in which the target can be reached.
NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.