Late Again
2 out of 3
Moira is late for school. What is the shortest route she can take from the school gates to the entrance?
Problem
Here is a picture of Moira's school which has a paved playground at the front:
This morning, Moira is late for school.
What is the shortest route she can take from the school gate to the school door?
Is there more than one way she could go?
Getting Started
Which direction might you go in first?
Try and describe any route. Can you make it shorter?
How will you know which routes you have tried?
Student Solutions
David from Thomas Reade School sent in the following solution:
The shortest route is forward $1$, right $1$, forward $6$ and right $3$ which is $11$ spaces.
Another way is forward $1$, right $4$ and forward $6$ which is $11$ spaces.
Another way is forward $3$, right $4$ and forward $4$ which is $11$ spaces.
(This assumes that Moira is standing just outside the school gate and finished standing outside the school doors.) Thank you David.
Teachers' Resources
Using NRICH Tasks Richly describes ways in which teachers and learners can work with NRICH tasks in the classroom.
Why do this problem?
Key questions
Possible extension
Children could be encouraged to make a plan of their own playground and set each other challenges.
Possible support
Having a paper copy of the plan will help children get started. Encourage them to work with a partner.