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Seven Flipped Poster

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions

In this problem it doesn't matter where you start on the picture. 
1) Pick any 3 hexagons (they will turn blue)
2) Pick 2 more hexagons and then pick one that you chose in the first go. You should now have 4 hexagons blue.
3) Finally pick the three remaining red hexagons.

So, it will take three moves.

If the number of tiles is a multiple of 3, the number of moves is the number of tiles divided by 3.

If the number of tiles is one more than a multiple of 3, you add 1 to the number of moves for the number of tiles immediately below it. For example, for 6 tiles it is 3 moves, for 7 tiles it is 4 moves

If the number of tiles is two more than a multiple of 3, you add 2 to the number of moves for the number of tiles immediately below it. For example, for 6 tiles it is 3 moves, for 8 tiles it is 5 moves

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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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