NRICH Secondary Curriculum Map

The problems linked below have detailed Teachers' Resources suggesting how they can be used in the classroom.

Please email any comments to secondary.nrich@maths.org

Looking for primary problems? See the NRICH Primary Curriculum Map.

Key

Games are indicated by ‘G’ and Articles by 'A'.

Tasks badged filled star are suitable for the whole class;
Tasks badged filled starfilled star are suitable for the majority;
Tasks badged filled starfilled starfilled star are for those who like a serious challenge.

Highlight ‘Thinking mathematically’ or ‘Mathematical mindset’ problems

ALGEBRA

Pre-Secondary Age 11 – 12 Age 15 - 16 Extension

Patterns and Sequences

Patterns

Sequences

Generate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule Deduce expressions to calculate the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences
Beach Huts Beach Huts
Can you figure out how sequences of beach huts are generated?
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Summing Consecutive Numbers Summing Consecutive Numbers
15 = 7 + 8 and 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4. Can you say which numbers can be expressed as the sum of two or more consecutive integers?
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Frogs Frogs
How many moves does it take to swap over some red and blue frogs? Do you have a method?
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Seven Squares Seven Squares
Watch these videos to see how Phoebe, Alice and Luke chose to draw 7 squares. How would they draw 100?
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Charlie's delightful machine Charlie's delightful machine
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you develop a strategy to work out the rules controlling each light?
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1 Step 2 Step 1 Step 2 Step
Liam's house has a staircase with 12 steps. He can go down the steps one at a time or two at time. In how many different ways can Liam go down the 12 steps?
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Triangle Numbers Triangle Numbers
Take a look at the multiplication square. The first eleven triangle numbers have been identified. Can you see a pattern? Does the pattern continue?
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Tower of Hanoi Tower of Hanoi
The Tower of Hanoi is an ancient mathematical challenge. Working on the building blocks may help you to explain the patterns you notice.
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A little light thinking A little light thinking
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you make two lights switch on at once? Three lights? All four lights?
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Recognise arithmetic sequences and find the nth term
Train Spotters' Paradise Train Spotters' Paradise
Dave Hewitt suggests that there might be more to mathematics than looking at numerical results, finding patterns and generalising.
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Squares in rectangles Squares in rectangles
A 2 by 3 rectangle contains 8 squares and a 3 by 4 rectangle contains 20 squares. What size rectangle(s) contain(s) exactly 100 squares? Can you find them all?
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Odds, Evens and More Evens Odds, Evens and More Evens
Alison, Bernard and Charlie have been exploring sequences of odd and even numbers, which raise some intriguing questions...
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Shifting Times Tables Shifting Times Tables
Can you find a way to identify times tables after they have been shifted up or down?
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spaces for exploration spaces for exploration
Alf Coles writes about how he tries to create 'spaces for exploration' for the students in his classrooms.
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Coordinate Patterns Coordinate Patterns
Charlie and Alison have been drawing patterns on coordinate grids. Can you picture where the patterns lead?
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What numbers can we make? What numbers can we make?
Imagine we have four bags containing a large number of 1s, 4s, 7s and 10s. What numbers can we make?
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Days and Dates Days and Dates
Investigate how you can work out what day of the week your birthday will be on next year, and the year after...
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Elevenses Elevenses
How many pairs of numbers can you find that add up to a multiple of 11? Do you notice anything interesting about your results?
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Growing Surprises Growing Surprises
Can you find the connections between linear and quadratic patterns?
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What numbers can we make now? What numbers can we make now?
Imagine we have four bags containing numbers from a sequence. What numbers can we make now?
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Recognise geometric sequences and appreciate other sequences that arise Recognise and use sequences of triangular, square and cube numbers, simple arithmetic progressions, Fibonacci type sequences, quadratic sequences, and simple geometric progressions (rⁿ where n is an integer, and r is a positive rational number or a surd) and other sequences
Picturing Square Numbers Picturing Square Numbers
Square numbers can be represented as the sum of consecutive odd numbers. What is the sum of 1 + 3 + ..... + 149 + 151 + 153?
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Picturing Triangular Numbers Picturing Triangular Numbers
Triangular numbers can be represented by a triangular array of squares. What do you notice about the sum of identical triangle numbers?
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Attractive Tablecloths Attractive Tablecloths
Charlie likes tablecloths that use as many colours as possible, but insists that his tablecloths have some symmetry. Can you work out how many colours he needs for different tablecloth designs?
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Painted Cube Painted Cube
Imagine a large cube made from small red cubes being dropped into a pot of yellow paint. How many of the small cubes will have yellow paint on their faces?
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Mystic Rose Mystic Rose
Use the animation to help you work out how many lines are needed to draw mystic roses of different sizes.
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Steel Cables Steel Cables
Some students have been working out the number of strands needed for different sizes of cable. Can you make sense of their solutions?
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Picture Story Picture Story
Can you see how this picture illustrates the formula for the sum of the first six cube numbers?
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Partly Painted Cube Partly Painted Cube
Jo made a cube from some smaller cubes, painted some of the faces of the large cube, and then took it apart again. 45 small cubes had no paint on them at all. How many small cubes did Jo use?
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Double Trouble Double Trouble
Simple additions can lead to intriguing results...
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Summing geometric progressions Summing geometric progressions
Watch the video to see how to sum the sequence. Can you adapt the method to sum other sequences?
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Patterns and Sequences short problems

Creating & Manipulating Linear & Quadratic Expressions

Use and interpret algebraic notation For example:
• ab in place of a x b
• 3y in place of y + y+ y and 3 x y
• a² in place of a x a; a³ in place of a x a x a; a²b in place of a x a x b
• a/b in place of a ÷ b
• coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals
• brackets
Your number is... Your number is...
Think of a number and follow the machine's instructions... I know what your number is! Can you explain how I know?
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The Number Jumbler The Number Jumbler
The Number Jumbler can always work out your chosen symbol. Can you work out how?
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Crossed Ends Crossed Ends
Crosses can be drawn on number grids of various sizes. What do you notice when you add opposite ends?
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Always a multiple? Always a multiple?
Think of a two digit number, reverse the digits, and add the numbers together. Something special happens...
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Think of Two Numbers Think of Two Numbers
Think of two whole numbers under 10, and follow the steps. I can work out both your numbers very quickly. How?
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Reversals Reversals
Where should you start, if you want to finish back where you started?
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Special Numbers Special Numbers
My two digit number is special because adding the sum of its digits to the product of its digits gives me my original number. What could my number be?
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Puzzling Place Value Puzzling Place Value
Can you explain what is going on in these puzzling number tricks?
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Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions to maintain equivalence by:
• collecting like terms
• multiplying a single term over a bracket
• taking out common factors
• expanding products of two or more binomials
Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds and algebraic fractions) by:
• Factorising quadratic expressions of the form x² + bx + c, including the difference of two squares; factorising quadratic expressions of the form ax² + bx + c
• Simplifying expressions involving sums, products and powers, including the laws of indices
Perimeter Expressions Perimeter Expressions
Create some shapes by combining two or more rectangles. What can you say about the areas and perimeters of the shapes you can make?
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More Number Pyramids More Number Pyramids
When number pyramids have a sequence on the bottom layer, some interesting patterns emerge...
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Number Pyramids Number Pyramids
Try entering different sets of numbers in the number pyramids. How does the total at the top change?
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Fibonacci Surprises Fibonacci Surprises
Play around with the Fibonacci sequence and discover some surprising results!
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Plus Minus Plus Minus
Can you explain the surprising results Jo found when she calculated the difference between square numbers?
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Multiplication square Multiplication square
Pick a square within a multiplication square and add the numbers on each diagonal. What do you notice?
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Harmonic Triangle Harmonic Triangle
Can you see how to build a harmonic triangle? Can you work out the next two rows?
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Pythagoras Perimeters Pythagoras Perimeters
If you know the perimeter of a right angled triangle, what can you say about the area?
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Hollow Squares Hollow Squares
Which armies can be arranged in hollow square fighting formations?
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Pair Products Pair Products
Choose four consecutive whole numbers. Multiply the first and last numbers together. Multiply the middle pair together. What do you notice?
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What's Possible? What's Possible?
Many numbers can be expressed as the difference of two perfect squares. What do you notice about the numbers you CANNOT make?
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Quadratic Patterns Quadratic Patterns
Surprising numerical patterns can be explained using algebra and diagrams...
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Factorising with Multilink Factorising with Multilink
Can you find out what is special about the dimensions of rectangles you can make with squares, sticks and units?
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Difference of Two Squares Difference of Two Squares
What is special about the difference between squares of numbers adjacent to multiples of three?
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Square Number Surprises Square Number Surprises
There are unexpected discoveries to be made about square numbers...
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Finding factors Finding factors
Can you find the hidden factors which multiply together to produce each quadratic expression?
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2-Digit Square 2-Digit Square
A 2-Digit number is squared. When this 2-digit number is reversed and squared, the difference between the squares is also a square. What is the 2-digit number?
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Why 24? Why 24?
Take any prime number greater than 3 , square it and subtract one. Working on the building blocks will help you to explain what is special about your results.
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Always Perfect Always Perfect
Show that if you add 1 to the product of four consecutive numbers the answer is ALWAYS a perfect square.
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Perfectly Square Perfectly Square
The sums of the squares of three related numbers is also a perfect square - can you explain why?
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Creating & Manipulating Linear & Quadratic Expressions short problems

Equations & Formulae

Equations

Formulae

Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms and factors Know the difference between an equation and an identity; argue mathematically to show algebraic expressions are equivalent, and use algebra to support and construct arguments and proofs
Shape Products Shape Products
These eleven shapes each stand for a different number. Can you use the multiplication sums to work out what they are?
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Iff Iff
Take a triangular number, multiply it by 8 and add 1. What is special about your answer? Can you prove it?
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Use algebraic methods to solve linear equations in one variable (including all forms that require rearrangement)
Your number was... Your number was...
Think of a number and follow my instructions. Tell me your answer, and I'll tell you what you started with! Can you explain how I know?
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Fair Shares? Fair Shares?
A mother wants to share a sum of money by giving each of her children in turn a lump sum plus a fraction of the remainder. How can she do this in order to share the money out equally?
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Model situations or procedures by translating them into algebraic expressions or formulae and by using graphs Find approximate solutions to equations numerically using iteration
Temperature Temperature
Is there a temperature at which Celsius and Fahrenheit readings are the same?
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Solve two simultaneous equations in two variables (linear / linear or linear / quadratic) algebraically; find approximate solutions using a graph
What's it worth? What's it worth?
There are lots of different methods to find out what the shapes are worth - how many can you find?
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Fruity Totals Fruity Totals
In this interactivity each fruit has a hidden value. Can you deduce what each one is worth?
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Warmsnug Double Glazing Warmsnug Double Glazing
How have "Warmsnug" arrived at the prices shown on their windows? Which window has been given an incorrect price?
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Arithmagons Arithmagons
Can you find the values at the vertices when you know the values on the edges?
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Matchless Matchless
There is a particular value of x, and a value of y to go with it, which make all five expressions equal in value, can you find that x, y pair ?
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Multiplication arithmagons Multiplication arithmagons
Can you find the values at the vertices when you know the values on the edges of these multiplication arithmagons?
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CD Heaven CD Heaven
All CD Heaven stores were given the same number of a popular CD to sell for £24. In their two week sale each store reduces the price of the CD by 25% ... How many CDs did the store sell at each price?
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Solve linear inequalities in one or two variables, and quadratic inequalities in one variable; represent the solution set on a number line, using set notation, and on a graph
Which is cheaper? Which is cheaper?
When I park my car in Mathstown, there are two car parks to choose from. Can you help me to decide which one to use?
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Which is bigger? Which is bigger?
Which is bigger, n+10 or 2n+3? Can you find a good method of answering similar questions?
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Solve quadratic equations (including those that require rearrangement) algebraically by factorising, by completing the square, and by using the quadratic formula; find approximate solutions using a graph
How old am I? How old am I?
In 15 years' time my age will be the square of my age 15 years ago. Can you work out my age, and when I had other special birthdays?
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Mega Quadratic Equations Mega Quadratic Equations
What do you get when you raise a quadratic to the power of a quadratic?
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Substitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae Translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae; derive an equation (or two simultaneous equations), solve the equation(s) and interpret the solution
Terminology Terminology
Given an equilateral triangle inside an isosceles triangle, can you find a relationship between the angles?
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Pick's Theorem Pick's Theorem
Polygons drawn on square dotty paper have dots on their perimeter (p) and often internal (i) ones as well. Find a relationship between p, i and the area of the polygons.
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Training schedule Training schedule
The heptathlon is an athletics competition consisting of 7 events. Can you make sense of the scoring system in order to advise a heptathlete on the best way to reach her target?
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Understand and use standard mathematical formulae; rearrange formulae to change the subject
Equations & Formulae short problems

Functions and Graphs

Position, Direction and Movement

Where appropriate, interpret simple expressions as functions with inputs and outputs; interpret the reverse process as the 'inverse functions'; interpret the succession of two functions as a 'composite function'
Work with coordinates in all four quadrant Calculate or estimate gradients of graphs and areas under graphs (including quadratic and other non-linear graphs), and interpret results in cases such as distance-time graphs, velocity-time graphs and graphs in financial contexts
Dotty grids in the classroom Dotty grids in the classroom
This article suggests ways in which a dotty grid can be used in the classroom as an environment for rich exploration
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Treasure Hunt Treasure Hunt
Can you find a reliable strategy for choosing coordinates that will locate the treasure in the minimum number of guesses?
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Route to infinity Route to infinity
Can you describe this route to infinity? Where will the arrows take you next?
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Recognise, sketch and produce graphs of linear and quadratic functions of one variable with appropriate scaling, using equations in x and y and in the Cartesian plane Plot and interpret graphs (including reciprocal graphs and exponential graphs) and graphs of non-standard functions in real contexts, to find approximate solutions to problems such as simple kinematic problems involving distance, speed and acceleration
Interpret mathematical relationships both algebraically and graphically Recognise and use the equation of a circle with centre at the origin; find the equation of a tangent to a circle at a given point
Parallel lines Parallel lines
How does the position of the line affect the equation of the line? What can you say about the equations of parallel lines?
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Reduce a given linear equation in two variables to the standard form y = mx + c; calculate and interpret gradients and intercepts of graphs of such linear equations numerically, graphically and algebraically Use the form y = mx + c to identify parallel and perpendicular lines; find the equation of the line through two given points, or through one point with a given gradient
How steep is the slope? How steep is the slope?
On the grid provided, we can draw lines with different gradients. How many different gradients can you find? Can you arrange them in order of steepness?
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Reflecting Lines Reflecting Lines
Investigate what happens to the equations of different lines when you reflect them in one of the axes. Try to predict what will happen. Explain your findings.
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Translating Lines Translating Lines
Investigate what happens to the equation of different lines when you translate them. Try to predict what will happen. Explain your findings.
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Diamond Collector Diamond Collector
Collect as many diamonds as you can by drawing three straight lines.
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Perpendicular lines Perpendicular lines
Position the lines so that they are perpendicular to each other. What can you say about the equations of perpendicular lines?
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At right angles At right angles
Can you decide whether two lines are perpendicular or not? Can you do this without drawing them?
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Surprising Transformations Surprising Transformations
I took the graph y=4x+7 and performed four transformations. Can you find the order in which I could have carried out the transformations?
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Doesn't add up Doesn't add up
In this problem we are faced with an apparently easy area problem, but it has gone horribly wrong! What happened?
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Use linear and quadratic graphs to estimate values of y for given values of x and vice versa and to find approximate solutions of simultaneous equations Recognise, sketch and interpret graphs of linear functions, quadratic functions, simple cubic functions, the reciprocal function y = 1/x with x ≠ 0, the exponential function y = kˣ for positive values of k, and the trigonometric functions (with arguments in degrees) y = sin x, y = cos x and y = tan x for angles of any size
Negatively Triangular Negatively Triangular
How many intersections do you expect from four straight lines ? Which three lines enclose a triangle with negative co-ordinates for every point ?
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What's that graph? What's that graph?
Can you work out which processes are represented by the graphs?
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Back fitter Back fitter
10 graphs of experimental data are given. Can you use a spreadsheet to find algebraic graphs which match them closely, and thus discover the formulae most likely to govern the underlying processes?
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Find approximate solutions to contextual problems from given graphs of a variety of functions, including piece-wise linear, exponential and reciprocal graphs Sketch translations and reflections of the graph of a given function
Fill Me Up Fill Me Up
Can you sketch graphs to show how the height of water changes in different containers as they are filled?
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Speeding up, slowing down Speeding up, slowing down
Experiment with the interactivity of "rolling" regular polygons, and explore how the different positions of the dot affects its speed at each stage.
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How far does it move? How far does it move?
Experiment with the interactivity of "rolling" regular polygons, and explore how the different positions of the dot affects the distance it travels at each stage.
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Up and across Up and across
Experiment with the interactivity of "rolling" regular polygons, and explore how the different positions of the dot affects its vertical and horizontal movement at each stage.
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Parabolic Patterns Parabolic Patterns
The illustration shows the graphs of fifteen functions. Two of them have equations $y=x^2$ and $y=-(x-4)^2$. Find the equations of all the other graphs.
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Exploring cubic functions Exploring cubic functions
Quadratic graphs are very familiar, but what patterns can you explore with cubics?
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Tangled Trig Graphs Tangled Trig Graphs
Can you work out the equations of the trig graphs I used to make my pattern?
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Identify and interpret roots, intercepts and turning points of quadratic functions graphically; deduce roots algebraically, and turning points by completing the square
Curve fitter Curve fitter
This problem challenges you to find cubic equations which satisfy different conditions.
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Functions and Graphs short problems