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And Another ...

Mathematicians love to solve problems.  However, they are not satisfied by finding one solution, or even more than one solution to a challenge, they like to dig deeper and try to find a 'proof'.  You can think of a proof as a mathematical argument which has a watertight chain of reasoning.

Rather than trying to jump straight into proof, here we have gathered together some tasks which each give you chance to try something out by picking your own example.  Then you can try a different example, and another, and another ...  Each time, try to transfer your thinking from the examples you've already tried to the new one.  This is the beginning of the journey to proof!
Two-digit targets
problem
Favourite

Two-digit targets

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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You have a set of the digits from 0 to 9. Can you arrange these in the five boxes to make two-digit numbers as close to the targets as possible?

Dotty Six
problem
Favourite

Dotty Six

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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Dotty Six is a simple dice game that you can adapt in many ways.

Round the Two Dice
problem
Favourite

Round the Two Dice

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This activity focuses on rounding to the nearest 10.
Dicey Addition
problem
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Dicey Addition

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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Who said that adding couldn't be fun?
Secret Number
problem
Favourite

Secret Number

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Annie and Ben are playing a game with a calculator. What was Annie's secret number?