Vectors

  • Spotting the loophole
    problem

    Spotting the loophole

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    A visualisation problem in which you search for vectors which sum to zero from a jumble of arrows. Will your eyes be quicker than algebra?

  • Areas of parallelograms
    problem

    Areas of parallelograms

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you find the area of a parallelogram defined by two vectors?

  • Cubestick
    problem

    Cubestick

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Stick some cubes together to make a cuboid. Find two of the angles by as many different methods as you can devise.

  • Square coordinates
    problem

    Square coordinates

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
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    A tilted square is a square with no horizontal sides. Can you devise a general instruction for the construction of a square when you are given just one of its sides?

  • V-P Cycles
    problem

    V-P cycles

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Form a sequence of vectors by multiplying each vector (using vector products) by a constant vector to get the next one in the seuence(like a GP). What happens?

  • Air Routes
    problem

    Air routes

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Find the distance of the shortest air route at an altitude of 6000 metres between London and Cape Town given the latitudes and longitudes. A simple application of scalar products of vectors.
  • Flexi Quad Tan
    problem

    Flexi quad tan

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    As a quadrilateral Q is deformed (keeping the edge lengths constnt) the diagonals and the angle X between them change. Prove that the area of Q is proportional to tanX.
  • 8 Methods for Three By One
    problem

    8 methods for three by one

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
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    This problem in geometry has been solved in no less than EIGHT ways by a pair of students. How would you solve it? How many of their solutions can you follow? How are they the same or different? Which do you like best?
  • Flexi Quads
    problem

    Flexi quads

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A quadrilateral changes shape with the edge lengths constant. Show the scalar product of the diagonals is constant. If the diagonals are perpendicular in one position are they always perpendicular?