Mathematical induction

problem
Favourite

Converging Product

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

2 out of 3

In the limit you get the sum of an infinite geometric series. What about an infinite product (1+x)(1+x^2)(1+x^4)... ?
problem
Favourite

Tens

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

2 out of 3

When is $7^n + 3^n$ a multiple of 10? Can you prove the result by two different methods?
problem

Elevens

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

1 out of 3

Add powers of 3 and powers of 7 and get multiples of 11.
problem

Growing

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

2 out of 3

Which is larger: (a) 1.000001^{1000000} or 2? (b) 100^{300} or 300! (i.e.factorial 300)
problem

Golden Powers

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

2 out of 3

You add 1 to the golden ratio to get its square. How do you find higher powers?
problem

Counting Binary Ops

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

2 out of 3

How many ways can the terms in an ordered list be combined by repeating a single binary operation. Show that for 4 terms there are 5 cases and find the number of cases for 5 terms and 6 terms.
problem

Overarch 2

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

3 out of 3

Bricks are 20cm long and 10cm high. How high could an arch be built without mortar on a flat horizontal surface, to overhang by 1 metre? How big an overhang is it possible to make like this?
problem

Golden Fractions

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

3 out of 3

Find the link between a sequence of continued fractions and the ratio of succesive Fibonacci numbers.
problem

One Basket or Group Photo

Age

7 to 18

Challenge level

3 out of 3

Libby Jared helped to set up NRICH and this is one of her favourite problems. It's a problem suitable for a wide age range and best tackled practically.
problem

Walkabout

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

2 out of 3

A walk is made up of diagonal steps from left to right, starting at the origin and ending on the x-axis. How many paths are there for 4 steps, for 6 steps, for 8 steps?