Length/distance

  • Pentagonal
    problem

    Pentagonal

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you prove that the sum of the distances of any point inside a square from its sides is always equal (half the perimeter)? Can you prove it to be true for a rectangle or a hexagon?
  • A Scale for the Solar System
    problem

    A Scale for the Solar System

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    The Earth is further from the Sun than Venus, but how much further? Twice as far? Ten times?
  • Sugary Diversion
    problem

    Sugary Diversion

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    Weekly Problem 48 - 2008
    An ant is crawling in a straight line when he bumps into a one centimetre cube of sugar.If he climbs over it before before continuing on his intended route, how much does the detour add to the length of his journey?
  • Flight Path
    problem

    Flight Path

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Use simple trigonometry to calculate the distance along the flight path from London to Sydney.
  • Uniform units
    problem

    Uniform Units

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you choose your units so that a cube has the same numerical value for it volume, surface area and total edge length?
  • Defined Distances
    problem

    Defined Distances

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    Mark writes four points on a line at different lengths. What is the distance between the two points furthest apart?
  • Overtake
    problem

    Overtake

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Tom and Tim are travelling towards Glasgow, but leave at different times. If Tim overtakes Tom, how fast is he travelling?
  • On the Road
    problem

    On the Road

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    Four vehicles travelled on a road. What can you deduce from the times that they met?
  • Hand Span
    problem

    Hand Span

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    Use your hand span to measure the distance around a tree trunk. If you ask a friend to try the same thing, how do the answers compare?
  • Take One Metre
    problem

    Take One Metre

    Age
    5 to 7
    Challenge level
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    You will need a long strip of paper for this task. Cut it into different lengths. How could you find out how long each piece is?