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Primary Generic Proof

Take one example
article

Take one example

This article introduces the idea of generic proof for younger children and illustrates how one example can offer a proof of a general result through unpacking its underlying structure.
Two numbers under the microscope
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Two numbers under the microscope

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This investigates one particular property of number by looking closely at an example of adding two odd numbers together.
Odd times Even
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Odd times Even

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This problem looks at how one example of your choice can show something about the general structure of multiplication.
Walking round a triangle
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Walking round a triangle

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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This ladybird is taking a walk round a triangle. Can you see how much he has turned when he gets back to where he started?
Square subtraction
problem
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Square subtraction

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Look at what happens when you take a number, square it and subtract your answer. What kind of number do you get? Can you prove it?
Round a hexagon
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Round a hexagon

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This problem shows that the external angles of an irregular hexagon add to a circle.
Three neighbours
problem
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Three neighbours

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
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Take three consecutive numbers and add them together. What do you notice?
Take three numbers
problem
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Take three numbers

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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What happens when you add three numbers together? Will your answer be odd or even? How do you know?