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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
  • Problem
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Two circles of equal radius touch at the point P. One circle is fixed whilst the other moves, rolling without slipping, all the way round.

How many times does the moving coin revolve before returning to P?

What happens if the radius of the moving circle is half that of the fixed circle? Can you generalise your results further?

You may wish to use the GeoGebra interactivity below to test out your conjectures.

 


Here are two related problems you might like to take a look at:
Rolling Around
Is There a Theorem?

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Is There a Theorem?

Draw a square. A second square of the same size slides around the first always maintaining contact and keeping the same orientation. How far does the dot travel?

The Old Goats

A rectangular field has two posts with a ring on top of each post. There are two quarrelsome goats and plenty of ropes which you can tie to their collars. How can you secure them so they can't fight each other but can reach every corner of the field?

Rolling Triangle

The triangle ABC is equilateral. The arc AB has centre C, the arc BC has centre A and the arc CA has centre B. Explain how and why this shape can roll along between two parallel tracks.

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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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