Optimisation

problem
Favourite

Fence It

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

1 out of 3

If you have only 40 metres of fencing available, what is the maximum area of land you can fence off?
problem
Favourite

Sending a Parcel

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

2 out of 3

What is the greatest volume you can get for a rectangular (cuboid) parcel if the maximum combined length and girth are 2 metres?
problem
Favourite

Cuboid Challenge

Age

11 to 16

Challenge level

2 out of 3

What's the largest volume of box you can make from a square of paper?
problem
Favourite

Crossing the Bridge

Age

11 to 18

Challenge level

2 out of 3

Four friends must cross a bridge. How can they all cross it in just 17 minutes?
problem
Favourite

Gutter

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

2 out of 3

Manufacturers need to minimise the amount of material used to make their product. What is the best cross-section for a gutter?
problem

Wrapping Gifts

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

1 out of 3

A box of size a cm by b cm by c cm is to be wrapped with a square piece of wrapping paper. Without cutting the paper what is the smallest square this can be?
problem

Maximum Flow

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

1 out of 3

Given the graph of a supply network and the maximum capacity for flow in each section find the maximum flow across the network.
problem

Bend

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

1 out of 3

What is the longest stick that can be carried horizontally along a narrow corridor and around a right-angled bend?
problem

Classic Cube

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

1 out of 3

The net of a cube is to be cut from a sheet of card 100 cm square. What is the maximum volume cube that can be made from a single piece of card?
problem

The Fastest Cyclist

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

2 out of 3

Andy is desperate to reach John o'Groats first. Can you devise a winning race plan?