Working systematically

  • Spot the Card
    problem

    Spot the Card

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    It is possible to identify a particular card out of a pack of 15 with the use of some mathematical reasoning. What is this reasoning and can it be applied to other numbers of cards?
  • Patchwork Quilt
    problem

    Patchwork Quilt

    Age
    7 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    Squares of the type shown are sewn together to make a quilt. How many different quilts can be made?
  • Making 11p
    problem

    Making 11p

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    How many ways are there to make 11p using 1p, 2p and 5p coins?
  • Fly Away
    problem

    Fly Away

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    Can you work out the values of the digits in this addition sum?
  • Flag-tastic
    problem

    Flag-Tastic

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    How many different flags can you make?
  • Magnetic personality
    problem

    Magnetic Personality

    Age
    7 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    60 pieces and a challenge. What can you make and how many of the pieces can you use creating skeleton polyhedra?
  • Dicey Directions
    problem

    Dicey Directions

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    An ordinary die is placed on a horizontal table with the '1' face facing East... In which direction is the '1' face facing after this sequence of moves?
  • Simple Train Journeys
    problem

    Simple Train Journeys

    Age
    5 to 11
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    How many different journeys could you make if you were going to visit four stations in this network? How about if there were five stations? Can you predict the number of journeys for seven stations?
  • 9 Weights
    problem

    9 Weights

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    You have been given nine weights, one of which is slightly heavier than the rest. Can you work out which weight is heavier in just two weighings of the balance?