Reasoning, convincing and proving

  • Interpolating polynomials
    problem

    Interpolating polynomials

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    Given a set of points (x,y) with distinct x values, find a polynomial that goes through all of them, then prove some results about the existence and uniqueness of these polynomials.
  • Olympic Measures
    problem

    Olympic measures

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    These Olympic quantities have been jumbled up! Can you put them back together again?

  • The Fastest Cyclist
    problem

    The fastest cyclist

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star

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

  • Olympic Triathlon
    problem

    Olympic triathlon

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Is it the fastest swimmer, the fastest runner or the fastest cyclist who wins the Olympic Triathlon?

  • Nutrition and Cycling
    problem

    Nutrition and cycling

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Andy wants to cycle from Land's End to John o'Groats. Will he be able to eat enough to keep him going?

  • Factorising with Multilink
    problem

    Factorising with multilink

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Can you find out what is special about the dimensions of rectangles you can make with squares, sticks and units?

  • Always a multiple?
    problem

    Always a multiple?

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star

    Think of a two digit number, reverse the digits, and add the numbers together. Something special happens...

  • Double Trouble
    problem

    Double trouble

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Simple additions can lead to intriguing results...

  • Round a hexagon
    problem

    Round a hexagon

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

    This problem shows that the external angles of an irregular hexagon add to a circle.

  • Walking round a triangle
    problem

    Walking round a triangle

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

    This ladybird is taking a walk round a triangle. Can you see how much she has turned when she gets back to where she started?