Functions and their inverses

  • Machines
    problem

    Machines

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
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    What is happening at each box in these machines?
  • Readme
    problem

    Readme

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Decipher a simple code based on the rule C=7P+17 (mod 26) where C is the code for the letter P from the alphabet. Rearrange the formula and use the inverse to decipher automatically.
  • Double time
    problem

    Double time

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Crack this code which depends on taking pairs of letters and using two simultaneous relations and modulus arithmetic to encode the message.
  • Pitchfork
    problem

    Pitchfork

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Plot the graph of x^y = y^x in the first quadrant and explain its properties.
  • Modular Fractions
    problem

    Modular fractions

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    We only need 7 numbers for modulus (or clock) arithmetic mod 7 including working with fractions. Explore how to divide numbers and write fractions in modulus arithemtic.
  • The Number Crunching Machine
    problem

    The number crunching machine

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
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    Put a number at the top of the machine and collect a number at the bottom. What do you get? Which numbers get back to themselves?
  • spaces for exploration
    article

    Spaces for exploration

    Alf Coles writes about how he tries to create 'spaces for exploration' for the students in his classrooms.

  • Real-life equations
    problem

    Real-life equations

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Here are several equations from real life. Can you work out which measurements are possible from each equation?
  • Equation matcher
    problem

    Equation matcher

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Can you match these equations to these graphs?
  • Curve match
    problem

    Curve match

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Which curve is which, and how would you plan a route to pass between them?