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Leonardo's Problem

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
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Why do this problem?

The problem requires interpretiation of the information given and the creation of equations from that information. Discussion of the ways of interpreting the information could help to develop team working and communication skills.

Possible approach

You might give learners some time to work independently on this problem then get them to share their ideas in small groups or pairs.

Key questions

What are the unknowns?

What equations an we write down based on the information given?

Possible support

You might first try the easier non-standard simultaneous equations problems Always Two and System Speak .

You may also like

Real(ly) Numbers

If x, y and z are real numbers such that: x + y + z = 5 and xy + yz + zx = 3. What is the largest value that any of the numbers can have?

Overturning Fracsum

Can you solve the system of equations to find the values of x, y and z?

Building Tetrahedra

Can you make a tetrahedron whose faces all have the same perimeter?

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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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