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Shape Your Proof

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In this feature for Primary students, we offer geometrical tasks which give you the chance to notice patterns and make conjectures. Can you create a mathematical argument that would convince a mathematician that your conjecture is always true?

You may also like to take a look at our I Like to Prove It! feature which gives you tasks for a similar purpose but in the context of number.

Break it up!
problem
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Break it up!

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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In how many different ways can you break up a stick of seven interlocking cubes? Now try with a stick of eight cubes and a stick of six cubes. What do you notice?

Counting Stick Conjectures
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Counting stick conjectures

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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How many rectangles can you see? Are they all the same size? Can you predict how many rectangles there will be in counting sticks of different lengths?
School fair necklaces
problem
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School fair necklaces

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
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How many possible symmetrical necklaces can you find? How do you know you've found them all?
Diagonally Square
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Diagonally square

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Ayah conjectures that the diagonals of a square meet at right angles. Do you agree? How could you find out?
Brush Loads
problem
Favourite

Brush loads

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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How can you arrange the 5 cubes so that you need the smallest number of Brush Loads of paint to cover them? Try with other numbers of cubes as well.

Triangle in a Square
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Triangle in a square

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Do you agree with Badger's statements? Is Badger's reasoning watertight? Why or why not?