Shape Your Proof

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.

problem

Break it up!

Age

5 to 11

Challenge level

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?

problem

Counting stick conjectures

Age

5 to 11

Challenge level

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?