Why do this problem?
This problem gives a context for the systematic search for
solutions, looking for efficient strategies, and reflecting on
which aspects of the problem causes it to be harder/easier. The
task could provide an interesting context for practising routine
tables facts. The random question generator could be used in lesson
starters.
Possible approach
You could start with a whole class counting activity:
Start counting together, speaking loudly on the numbers in the
two times table, and quietly on the other numbers. Now split the
class in two. Ask half the class to continue doing the same and ask
the other half to only speak loudly on the numbers in the five
times table.
Which numbers were quiet ?
Which numbers were fairly
loud and which were very
loud ?
Now split the class in three. Two groups to continue as before
and one group to only speak loudly on the numbers in
the three times table.
Can they predict what they will hear?
Which numbers will be quiet?
Which numbers will be fairly loud and which will be very
loud?
Try it.
Class could be split in four and the new group could be asked
to speak loudly on the multiples of four.
When will everyone speak loudly?
Start again and select two numbers which have a
common factor, for example, 4s and 6s.
Ask students to predict which numbers will be spoken
loudly.
Try it.
After this introductory activity, pose a question from the
question generator. Give students a few minutes to think of numbers
that fit one or more of the conditions. Gather some answers and
explanations until the whole group feel
confident suggesting numbers based on statements about divisors and
remainders.
With the same, or a new problem, ask students to work in pairs to
find:
a number that fits all the conditions,
then to find all the numbers under 100 that fit them all,
then to write two sentences to explain how they know they have got
them all.
With the group together, ask for feedback, and put the answer into
the answer box. If you have an interactive whiteboard, it might be
appropriate to illustrate the logic with the coloured ball
interactivity.
Generate a selection of questions, ask students to pick
out particular questions
that seem easiest/hardest and work on
those. On the board, write "what makes a question like this
easy/hard?" and tell students that you'll be collecting suggestions
after 15 mins.
If a computer room is available, set students to work at computers
in pairs. Students can use the coloured ball interactivity to help
them, but emphasise that eventually you would like them to identify
the numbers without the aid of the interactivity.
You can print this 10 by 10 number grid so
that students can keep a record of their working as they narrow
down the possibilities.
Then set the students to play The
Remainders Game
Who can reach 100 points in the least number of games?
Ask students to explain any strategies they have generated.
Finally, ask them to have a go at the last question in the problem
and emphasise that you will expect themto justify their
conclusions.
Key questions
Which clues are most helpful?
When does a clue provide no new information?
What is the minimum number of divisions needed to identify the
number?
Possible extension
Students, working in pairs, could think of a number themselves
and then give their partners three clues to help them identify
their number, or, as in
The
Remainders Game they could allow their partner to choose the
divisors.
Students could also have a go at Ewa's
Eggs
Possible support
Use the coloured ball interactivity and ask students to
predict what will happen.