Pythagoras' theorem

  • 30-60-90 Polypuzzle
    problem

    30-60-90 Polypuzzle

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Re-arrange the pieces of the puzzle to form a rectangle and then to form an equilateral triangle. Calculate the angles and lengths.
  • Retracircles
    problem

    Retracircles

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Four circles all touch each other and a circumscribing circle. Find the ratios of the radii and prove that joining 3 centres gives a 3-4-5 triangle.
  • Weighty Problem
    problem

    Weighty Problem

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    The diagram shows a very heavy kitchen cabinet. It cannot be lifted but it can be pivoted around a corner. The task is to move it, without sliding, in a series of turns about the corners so that it is facing the other way round.
  • Classic cube
    problem

    Classic Cube

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    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?
  • Golden Construction
    problem

    Golden Construction

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Draw a square and an arc of a circle and construct the Golden rectangle. Find the value of the Golden Ratio.
  • Right Angled Possibilities
    problem

    Right Angled Possibilities

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    If two of the sides of a right-angled triangle are 5cm and 6cm long, how many possibilities are there for the length of the third side?
  • Under the Ribbon
    problem

    Under the Ribbon

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    A ribbon is nailed down with a small amount of slack. What is the largest cube that can pass under the ribbon ?
  • Tetromino Diagonal
    problem

    Tetromino Diagonal

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you calculate the length of this diagonal line?
  • Some(?) of the Parts
    problem

    Some(?) of the Parts

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    A circle touches the lines OA, OB and AB where OA and OB are perpendicular. Show that the diameter of the circle is equal to the perimeter of the triangle
  • Get Cross
    problem

    Get Cross

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    A white cross is placed symmetrically in a red disc with the central square of side length sqrt 2 and the arms of the cross of length 1 unit. What is the area of the disc still showing?