Conjecturing and generalising

  • Generally Geometric
    problem

    Generally Geometric

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Generalise the sum of a GP by using derivatives to make the coefficients into powers of the natural numbers.

  • Can it be?
    problem

    Can It Be?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    When if ever do you get the right answer if you add two fractions by adding the numerators and adding the denominators?

  • Maximum Scattering
    problem

    Maximum Scattering

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Your data is a set of positive numbers. What is the maximum value that the standard deviation can take?

  • Integral Sandwich
    problem

    Integral Sandwich

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Generalise this inequality involving integrals.

  • Fix me or crush me
    problem

    Fix Me or Crush Me

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Can you make matrices which will fix one lucky vector and crush another to zero?

  • Irrational arithmagons
    problem

    Irrational Arithmagons

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    Can you work out the irrational numbers that belong in the circles to make the multiplication arithmagon correct?

  • Rational Roots
    problem

    Rational Roots

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Given that a, b and c are natural numbers show that if sqrt a+sqrt b is rational then it is a natural number. Extend this to 3 variables.

  • Cyclic Triangles
    problem

    Cyclic Triangles

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Make and prove a conjecture about the cyclic quadrilateral inscribed in a circle of radius r that has the maximum perimeter and the maximum area.

  • Few and far between?
    problem

    Few and Far Between?

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Can you find some Pythagorean Triples where the two smaller numbers differ by 1?

  • Interpolating polynomials
    problem

    Interpolating Polynomials

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    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.