Here is a small selection of quick problems all to do with small things ...

In your head fold a piece of paper in half, then half again. Snip a piece from the corner. What shape is the hole?

In my pocket I have a 1p, a 2p and a 5p. I am holding two of the coins in my hand. How much money might I be holding? 1p, 2p and 5p coin

Can you fit 31 things in a matchbox? Give some examples.

1, 2, 3, ... 10, 20, 30, ... Which is quicker, counting up to 30 in ones or counting up to 300 in tens? Why?

These problems have been selected from the BEAM Mathematical Calendar 2002-3. For more information about BEAM Education publications and resources, visit their website at www.beam.co.uk.