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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Efficient and Elegant Algebra


In this feature students will have the opportunity to explore the properties of consecutive numbers, use algebra to justify their findings, and exploit the symmetries of equations in order to find efficient and elegant strategies.  We hope that students will enjoy discovering that algebra can be a versatile tool for solving a range of problems.

The last date for submitting solutions to the live problems is Monday 11th July.

You can watch a recording of the webinar in which we discussed the mathematical thinking which can be prompted by these activities.

Starting to Explore Four Consecutive Numbers

Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star

Continuing to Explore Four Consecutive Numbers

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star

Is There More to Discover about Four Consecutive Numbers?

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star

Simultaneous Equations Sudoku

Age 11 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Solve the equations to identify the clue numbers in this Sudoku problem.

A Change in Code

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star
Can you find the percentage increase if the results appear in code?

Symmetricality

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Five equations and five unknowns. Is there an easy way to find the unknown values?

Always Two

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Find all the triples of numbers a, b, c such that each one of them plus the product of the other two is always 2.

Mega Quadratic Equations

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
What do you get when you raise a quadratic to the power of a quadratic?

Agile Algebra

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Observe symmetries and engage the power of substitution to solve complicated equations.

Overturning Fracsum

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Can you solve the system of equations to find the values of x, y and z?

You may also like

Introducing Complex Numbers

These resources are designed to introduce students to complex numbers in an exploratory way.

Statistical Investigations

A chance for students to use statistical skills to answer some interesting questions.

Maths for Champions

Can you win the Maths Olympics?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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