Working systematically

There are 604 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Working systematically
Staircase Sum
problem

Staircase sum

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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The digits 1-9 have been written in the squares so that each row and column sums to 13. What is the value of n?
Mini-Sudoku
problem

Mini-sudoku

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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How many ways are there of completing the mini-sudoku?
Adjacent Additions
problem

Adjacent additions

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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In a 7-digit numerical code, each group of four consecutive digits adds to 16, and each group of five consecutive digits adds to 19. What is the sum of all 7 digits?
Relative Time
problem

Relative time

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Albert Einstein is experimenting with two unusual clocks. At what time do they next agree?
Daisy
game

Daisy

In this game for two players, take it in turns to shade one petal, or two petals next to each other. Is it better to go first or second?
Polydron
problem

Polydron

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This activity investigates how you might make squares and pentominoes from Polydron.
Sorted
problem

Sorted

Age
14 to 18
Challenge level
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How can you quickly sort a suit of cards in order from Ace to King?
Interpolating polynomials
problem

Interpolating polynomials

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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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 Logic
problem

Olympic logic

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
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Can you use your powers of logic and deduction to work out the missing information in these sporty situations?
Crossing the Town Square
problem

Crossing the town square

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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This tricky challenge asks you to find ways of going across rectangles, going through exactly ten squares.