Combinations

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The secret world of codes and code breaking

When you think of spies and secret agents, you probably wouldn’t think of mathematics. Some of the most famous code breakers in history have been mathematicians.
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Creative approaches to mathematics across the curriculum

Suggestions for teachers about exploring maths in different contexts: art, history and so on
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Binomial coefficients

An introduction to the binomial coefficient, and exploration of some of the formulae it satisfies.
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Lesser digits

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

How many positive integers less than or equal to 4000 can be written down without using the digits 7, 8 or 9?
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Sam again

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Here is a collection of puzzles about Sam's shop sent in by club members. Perhaps you can make up more puzzles, find formulas or find general methods.
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Football crazy hockey mad

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

In a league of 5 football teams which play in a round robin tournament show that it is possible for all five teams to be league leaders.
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Satnav dilemma

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

How many routes are there in this diagram from S to T?
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Negative dice

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

If the odd numbers on two dice are made negative, which of the totals cannot be achieved?
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Patchwork quilt

Age

7 to 14

Challenge level

Squares of the type shown are sewn together to make a quilt. How many different quilts can be made?
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Making 11p

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

How many ways are there to make 11p using 1p, 2p and 5p coins?