Mental calculations

  • Super Shapes
    problem

    Super shapes

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    The value of the circle changes in each of the following problems. Can you discover its value in each problem?

  • A Square of Numbers
    problem

    A square of numbers

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Can you put the numbers 1 to 8 into the circles so that the four calculations are correct?

  • Carrying Cards
    problem

    Carrying cards

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    These sixteen children are standing in four lines of four, one behind the other. They are each holding a card with a number on it. Can you work out the missing numbers?

  • Shape Times Shape
    problem

    Shape times shape

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    These eleven shapes each stand for a different number. Can you use the number sentences to work out what they are?

  • Which symbol?
    problem

    Which symbol?

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Choose a symbol to put into the number sentence.

  • How do you do it?
    problem

    How do you do it?

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    This group activity will encourage you to share calculation strategies and to think about which strategy might be the most efficient.

  • Follow the numbers
    problem

    Follow the numbers

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    What happens when you add the digits of a number then multiply the result by 2 and you keep doing this? You could try for different numbers and different rules.

  • Journeys in Numberland
    problem

    Journeys in Numberland

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Tom and Ben visited Numberland. Use the maps to work out the number of points each of their routes scores.

  • problem

    Fifteen cards

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Can you use the information to find out which cards I have used?

  • A yellow bag containing some threes.
    problem

    Play to 37

    Age
    7 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    In this game the winner is the first to make the total 37. Is this a fair game?