The tasks in this feature all contain tricks that use maths, not magic, to make them work. Figure out the maths and you too can amaze your friends and family!
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Favourite
What's in a name?
What do you notice about these squares of numbers? What is the same? What is different?
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Unexpected ordering
Watch the video of Fran re-ordering these number cards. What do you notice? Try it for yourself. What happens?
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Favourite
Digit addition
Try out this number trick. What happens with different starting numbers? What do you notice?
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Favourite
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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Surprising split
Does this 'trick' for calculating multiples of 11 always work? Why or why not?
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Favourite
The number jumbler
The Number Jumbler can always work out your chosen symbol. Can you work out how?
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Truth or lie
Take a look at the video of this trick. Can you perform it yourself? Why is this maths and not magic?
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Interactivities to make you inquisitive
These activities all have interactive elements to arouse your curiosity!