Working systematically

  • Twin chute-swapping Sudoku
    problem

    Twin Chute-Swapping Sudoku

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    A pair of Sudokus with lots in common. In fact they are the same problem but rearranged. Can you find how they relate to solve them both?

  • Difference Dynamics
    problem

    Difference Dynamics

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    Take three whole numbers. The differences between them give you three new numbers. Find the differences between the new numbers and keep repeating this. What happens?
  • Stadium Sightline
    problem

    Stadium Sightline

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    How would you design the tiering of seats in a stadium so that all spectators have a good view?

  • Sorted
    problem

    Sorted

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star
    How can you quickly sort a suit of cards in order from Ace to King?
  • The Tour de Clochemerle
    problem

    The Tour De Clochemerle

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    Can you work out where these 5 riders came in a not-quite-so-famous bike race?

  • The ELISA Test
    problem

    The ELISA Test

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star

    In 1% of cases, an HIV test gives a positive result for someone who is HIV negative. How likely is it that someone who tests positive has HIV?

  • Constellation Sudoku
    problem

    Constellation Sudoku

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star

    Special clue numbers related to the difference between numbers in two adjacent cells and values of the stars in the "constellation" make this a doubly interesting problem.

  • Matching Criminals
    problem

    Matching Criminals

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star

    DNA profiling is an invaluable tool for the police. However, when it comes to probability, things aren't always as straightforward as they seem.

  • Shopping basket of various food items.
    problem

    A Long Time at the Till

    Age
    14 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star

    Try to solve this very difficult problem and then study our two suggested solutions. How would you use your knowledge to try to solve variants on the original problem?

  • Snooker
    problem

    Snooker

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star empty star empty star

    A player has probability 0.4 of winning a single game. What is his probability of winning a 'best of 15 games' tournament?