List

Generalising

In the third stage of the problem-solving process, learners are aiming for generalisation and possibly proof.  (See the article Mastering Mathematics: The Challenge of Generalising and Proof.)  Being able to generalise a situation involves identifying its underlying mathematical structure.  Having transferred our thinking from one example to another, to another, to another ..., the emerging similarities and differences offer us insight into what will always be true in that situation, which in turn can be explained by its underlying mathematical structure.

The tasks below provide opportunities for learners to get better at generalising.
Nim-7
problem
Favourite

Nim-7

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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Can you work out how to win this game of Nim? Does it matter if you go first or second?
Largest Even
problem
Favourite

Largest Even

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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How would you create the largest possible two-digit even number from the digit I've given you and one of your choice?
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.
Ring a Ring of Numbers
problem
Favourite

Ring a Ring of Numbers

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Choose four of the numbers from 1 to 9 to put in the squares so that the differences between joined squares are odd.
How Odd
problem
Favourite

How Odd

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This problem challenges you to find out how many odd numbers there are between pairs of numbers. Can you find a pair of numbers that has four odds between them?
Lots of Lollies
problem
Favourite

Lots of Lollies

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Frances and Rishi were given a bag of lollies. They shared them out evenly and had one left over. How many lollies could there have been in the bag?

Stop the Clock
problem
Favourite

Stop the Clock

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
This is a game for two players. Can you find out how to be the first to get to 12 o'clock?
Magic Vs
problem
Favourite

Magic Vs

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Can you put the numbers 1-5 in the V shape so that both 'arms' have the same total?
Three Dice
problem
Favourite

Three Dice

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Investigate the sum of the numbers on the top and bottom faces of a line of three dice. What do you notice?
Got It
problem
Favourite

Got It

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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A game for two people, or play online. Given a target number, say 23, and a range of numbers to choose from, say 1-4, players take it in turns to add to the running total to hit their target.

Button-Up Some More
problem
Favourite

Button-Up Some More

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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How many ways can you find to do up all four buttons on my coat? How about if I had five buttons? Six ...?

Six Numbered Cubes
problem
Favourite

Six Numbered Cubes

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
This task combines spatial awareness with addition and multiplication.