Arithmetic sequences

  • Matchsticks
    problem

    Matchsticks

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
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    Reasoning about the number of matches needed to build squares that share their sides.
  • Summats Clear
    problem

    Summats clear

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Find the sum, f(n), of the first n terms of the sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3........p, p, p +1, p + 1,..... Prove that f(a + b) - f(a - b) = ab.
  • Natural Sum
    problem

    Natural sum

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    The picture illustrates the sum 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = (4 x 5)/2. Prove the general formula for the sum of the first n natural numbers and the formula for the sum of the cubes of the first n natural numbers.
  • content-03-01-cupboardlove2-sol1.gif
    problem

    Transformations tables

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
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    These grids are filled according to some rules - can you complete them?
  • Squares, Squares and More Squares
    problem

    Squares, squares and more squares

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    Can you dissect a square into: 4, 7, 10, 13... other squares? 6, 9, 12, 15... other squares? 8, 11, 14... other squares?
  • Mobile Numbers
    problem

    Mobile numbers

    Age
    5 to 11
    Challenge level
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    In this investigation, you are challenged to make mobile phone numbers which are easy to remember. What happens if you make a sequence adding 2 each time?
  • Many Matildas
    problem

    Many Matildas

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    MatildaMatildaMatil... What is the 1000th letter?

  • Be reasonable
    problem

    Be reasonable

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Prove that sqrt2, sqrt3 and sqrt5 cannot be terms of ANY arithmetic progression.
  • Janusz asked
    problem

    Janusz asked

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    In y = ax +b when are a, -b/a, b in arithmetic progression. The polynomial y = ax^2 + bx + c has roots r1 and r2. Can a, r1, b, r2 and c be in arithmetic progression?