Developing Systematic Approaches

Mathematicians like to work systematically on a problem rather than approaching it in a random, unstructured way. The tasks in this feature are designed to provoke students to solve them in a systematic manner.

1 Step 2 Step

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level

This problem is inaccessible without looking at simpler cases, and thus helps students to see the value of specialising in order to generalise.

Shady Symmetry

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level

This problem is a good activity for the visualisation of symmetry, and for encouraging students to work systematically.

Sorted

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level

This problem uses playing cards and video to introduce students to some well-known sorting algorithms.

Odds and Evens Made Fair

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level

To search for a fair game in this probability task, students will need to work systematically and record their findings appropriately.

Developing Systematic Approaches