Time

  • Hand Swap
    problem

    Hand Swap

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    My train left London between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and arrived in Paris between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. At the start and end of the journey the hands on my watch were in exactly the same positions but the minute hand and hour hand had swopped places. What time did the train leave London and how long did the journey take?

  • A Problem of time
    problem

    A Problem of Time

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Consider a watch face which has identical hands and identical marks for the hours. It is opposite to a mirror. When is the time as read direct and in the mirror exactly the same between 6 and 7?
  • Paradoxes
    article

    Paradoxes

    A paradox is a statement that seems to be both untrue and true at the same time. This article looks at a few examples and challenges you to investigate them for yourself.
  • Eclipses of the Sun
    article

    Eclipses of the Sun

    Mathematics has allowed us now to measure lots of things about eclipses and so calculate exactly when they will happen, where they can be seen from, and what they will look like.
  • On what day did it happen?
    article

    On What Day Did It Happen?

    Read this article to find out the mathematical method for working out what day of the week each particular date fell on back as far as 1700.
  • Calendars
    article

    Calendars

    Calendars were one of the earliest calculating devices developed by civilizations. Find out about the Mayan calendar in this article.
  • A History of Astronomy
    article

    A History of Astronomy

    Astronomy grew out of problems that the early civilisations had. They needed to solve problems relating to time and distance - both mathematical topics.