Explaining, convincing and proving

  • Unit fractions
    problem

    Unit Fractions

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Consider the equation 1/a + 1/b + 1/c = 1 where a, b and c are natural numbers and 0 < a < b < c. Prove that there is only one set of values which satisfy this equation.

  • One O Five
    problem

    One O Five

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    You can work out the number someone else is thinking of as follows. Ask a friend to think of any natural number less than 100. Then ask them to tell you the remainders when this number is divided by 3, 5 and by 7...

  • Disappearing square
    problem

    Disappearing Square

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Do you know how to find the area of a triangle? You can count the squares. What happens if we turn the triangle on end? Press the button and see. Try counting the number of units in the triangle now. Do you have any interesting findings to report?

  • Top-Heavy Pyramids
    problem

    Top-Heavy Pyramids

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Use the numbers in the box below to make the base of a top-heavy pyramid whose top number is 200.

  • Convex Polygons
    problem

    Convex Polygons

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Show that among the interior angles of a convex polygon there cannot be more than three acute angles.

  • More Total Totality
    problem

    More Total Totality

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Is it possible to arrange the numbers 1-6 on the nodes of this diagram, so that all the sums between numbers on adjacent nodes are different?

  • Distinct in a Line
    problem

    Distinct in a Line

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    This grid can be filled so that each of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 appears just once in each row, column and diagonal. Which number goes in the centre square?

  • Small pepper seedlings in orange pots.
    problem

    Knights and Knaves

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Knights always tell the truth. Knaves always lie. Can you catch these knights and knaves out?

  • Small pepper seedlings in orange pots.
    problem

    To Run or Not to Run?

    Age
    11 to 14
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    If an athlete takes 10 minutes longer to walk, run and cycle three miles than he does to cycle all three miles, how long does it take him?