Estimating and approximating

  • Archimedes and numerical roots
    problem

    Archimedes and numerical roots

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    The problem is how did Archimedes calculate the lengths of the sides of the polygons which needed him to be able to calculate square roots?
  • Branching Processes and Extinction
    problem

    Branching processes and extinction

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    An advanced mathematical exploration supporting our series of articles on population dynamics for advanced students.
  • Can you do \it too?
    problem

    Can you do it too?

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    Try some throwing activities and see whether you can throw something as far as the Olympic hammer or discus throwers.

  • Count the Crayons
    problem

    Count the crayons

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    How could you estimate the number of pencils/pens in these pictures?

  • Fruity Pairs
    problem

    Fruity pairs

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    Which two items of fruit could Kate and Sam choose? Can you order the prices from lowest to highest?

  • Little Man
    problem

    Little man

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    The Man is much smaller than us. Can you use the picture of him next to a mug to estimate his height and how much tea he drinks?

  • Today's date - 01/06/2009
    problem

    Today's date - 01/06/2009

    Age
    5 to 11
    Challenge level
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    What do you notice about the date 03.06.09? Or 08.01.09? This challenge invites you to investigate some interesting dates yourself.
  • Discuss and Choose
    problem

    Discuss and choose

    Age
    5 to 11
    Challenge level
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    This activity challenges you to decide on the 'best' number to use in each statement. You may need to do some estimating, some calculating and some research.

  • Buying a Balloon
    problem

    Buying a balloon

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
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    Lolla bought a balloon at the circus. She gave the clown six coins to pay for it. What could Lolla have paid for the balloon?