Rational and irrational numbers

  • Repetitiously
    problem
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    Repetitiously

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you express every recurring decimal as a fraction?

  • Good Approximations
    problem

    Good Approximations

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Solve quadratic equations and use continued fractions to find rational approximations to irrational numbers.
  • Be reasonable
    problem

    Be Reasonable

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Prove that sqrt2, sqrt3 and sqrt5 cannot be terms of ANY arithmetic progression.
  • Spirostars
    problem

    Spirostars

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A spiropath is a sequence of connected line segments end to end taking different directions. The same spiropath is iterated. When does it cycle and when does it go on indefinitely?
  • Rational Roots
    problem

    Rational Roots

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Given that a, b and c are natural numbers show that if sqrt a+sqrt b is rational then it is a natural number. Extend this to 3 variables.
  • Making Rectangles, Making Squares
    problem

    Making Rectangles, Making Squares

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    How many differently shaped rectangles can you build using these equilateral and isosceles triangles? Can you make a square?
  • Equal Equilateral Triangles
    problem

    Equal Equilateral Triangles

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you make a regular hexagon from yellow triangles the same size as a regular hexagon made from green triangles ?
  • Rationals Between...
    problem

    Rationals Between...

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    What fractions can you find between the square roots of 65 and 67?
  • The Square Hole
    problem

    The Square Hole

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    If the yellow equilateral triangle is taken as the unit for area, what size is the hole ?