Combinatorics

  • Molecular sequencer
    problem

    Molecular Sequencer

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3
    Investigate the molecular masses in this sequence of molecules and deduce which molecule has been analysed in the mass spectrometer.
  • Magic Caterpillars
    problem

    Magic Caterpillars

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Label the joints and legs of these graph theory caterpillars so that the vertex sums are all equal.
  • Painting Cubes
    problem

    Painting Cubes

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Imagine you have six different colours of paint. You paint a cube using a different colour for each of the six faces. How many different cubes can be painted using the same set of six colours?
  • Deep Roots
    problem

    Deep Roots

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Find integer solutions to: $\sqrt{a+b\sqrt{x}} + \sqrt{c+d.\sqrt{x}}=1$
  • Plate Spotting
    problem

    Plate Spotting

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    I was in my car when I noticed a line of four cars on the lane next to me with number plates starting and ending with J, K, L and M. What order were they in?
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    Vital?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Third challenge cipher
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    Semicircle

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Fourth challenge cipher
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    Up a Semitone?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Fifth challenge cipher
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    Ip?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Seventh challenge cipher
  • Placeholder: several colourful numbers
    problem

    A Fine Thing?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3
    Second challenge cipher