Explaining, convincing and proving

  • Overlaps
    problem

    Overlaps

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

    What does the overlap of these two shapes look like? Try picturing it in your head and then use some cut-out shapes to test your prediction.

  • Six Ten Total
    problem

    Six ten total

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

    This challenge combines addition, multiplication, perseverance and even proof.

  • Six Numbered Cubes
    problem

    Six numbered cubes

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

    This task combines spatial awareness with addition and multiplication.

  • Open Squares
    problem

    Open squares

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

    This task, written for the National Young Mathematicians' Award 2016, focuses on 'open squares'. What would the next five open squares look like?

  • Curious number
    problem

    Curious number

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

    Can you order the digits from 1-3 to make a number which is divisible by 3 so when the last digit is removed it becomes a 2-figure number divisible by 2, and so on?

  • Square subtraction
    problem

    Square subtraction

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

    Look at what happens when you take a number, square it and subtract your answer. What kind of number do you get? Can you prove it?

  • Subtraction Surprise
    problem

    Subtraction surprise

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

    Try out these calculations. Are you surprised by the results?

  • Four playing cards on top of each other. Each card shows a different ace.
    problem

    Statement snap

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

    You'll need to know your number properties to win a game of Statement Snap...

  • Got It
    problem

    Got it

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

    A game for two people, or play online. Given a target number, say 23, and a range of numbers to choose from, say 1-4, players take it in turns to add to the running total to hit their target.

  • Your number is...
    problem

    Your number is...

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

    Think of a number and follow the machine's instructions... I know what your number is! Can you explain how I know?