Skip over navigation
Cambridge University Faculty of Mathematics NRich logo
menu search
  • Teachers expand_more
    • Early years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
    • Events
    • Professional development
  • Students expand_more
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Parents expand_more
    • Early Years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Problem-Solving Schools
  • About NRICH expand_more
    • About us
    • Impact stories
    • Support us
    • Our funders
    • Contact us
  • search

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

  • The Number System and Place Value
  • Calculations and Numerical Methods
  • Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
  • Properties of Numbers
  • Patterns, Sequences and Structure
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
  • Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

  • Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
  • 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
  • Measuring and calculating with units
  • Transformations and constructions
  • Pythagoras and Trigonometry
  • Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

  • Handling, Processing and Representing Data
  • Probability

Working mathematically

  • Thinking mathematically
  • Developing positive attitudes
  • Cross-curricular contexts

Advanced mathematics

  • Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics
  • Mechanics
  • Calculus

For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Property Chart

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Secondary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions
  • Teachers' Resources


Samantha from Hamlin sent us her work on this problem. She found that it is possible to choose cards so that all of the boxes can be filled in. In fact, she chose cards so that she could fill in all of the boxes using a 1x1 square! Here is her example :

  Has all equal angles Has rotational symmetry Has more than 1 axis of symmetry Has area of 1 unit
Has more than 2 equal angles        
Has more than 1 right angle        
Has more than 2 equal sides        
Has 2 pairs of parallel sides        


Well done to Christine, Peter, Rebecca and Josh from Ely St John's School who found two more ways to choose cards so that all the boxes could be filled in. They decided to use rectangles as well as squares. Here is one of their solutions:

  Has more than 1 axis of symmetry Has all equal angles Has more than 2 equal angles Has 2 pairs or parallel sides
Has more than 1 right angle square square  square square
Has more than 2 equal angles square square square square
Has area of 1 unit
 
square square square square
Has area of 2 units
 
rectangle rectangle rectangle rectangle


Well done also to Mr Beech's Year 7 class who all sent us their solutions!


George found that it is possible to choose cards so that none of the boxes can be filled in. Here's the example he sent us:

  More than one axis of symmetry Just two pairs of parallel sides Rotational symmetry All angles equal
Just one axis of symmetry        
Just one pair of parallel sides        
Just two equal angles        
One right angle        


If anyone has had a go at these questions using the triangle cards, do send your solutions to the secondary team.

You may also like

Linkage

Four rods, two of length a and two of length b, are linked to form a kite. The linkage is moveable so that the angles change. What is the maximum area of the kite?

Making Rectangles, Making Squares

How many differently shaped rectangles can you build using these equilateral and isosceles triangles? Can you make a square?

The Cyclic Quadrilateral

This gives a short summary of the properties and theorems of cyclic quadrilaterals and links to some practical examples to be found elsewhere on the site.

  • Tech help
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • Twitter X logo

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.

University of Cambridge logo NRICH logo