Strike it Out
Watch the video below which shows two people playing the first few turns of a game.
What do you notice?
What do you want to ask?
If you can't access YouTube, here is a direct link to the video.
Watch the video a second time.
Can you work out how to play the game?
What do you think the rules might be?
How might someone win the game?
If you are unable to view the video, you could click through this powerpoint presentation, which also demonstrates how to play. Alternatively, the rules of the game are hidden below.
The player who stops their opponent from being able to go wins the game.
How to play:
- Start by drawing a number line from 0 to 20 like this, or print off a sheet of number lines:
- The first player chooses two numbers on the line and crosses them out. Then they circle the sum or difference of the two numbers and they write down the calculation.
For example, the first player's turn could look like this:
- The second player must start by crossing off the number that Player 1 has just circled. They then choose another number to cross out and then circle a third number which is the sum or difference of the two crossed-off numbers. Player 2 also writes down their calculation.
For example, once the second player has had a turn, the game could look like this:
- Play continues in this way with each player starting with the number that has just been circled.
- Once a number has been used in a calculation, it cannot be used again.
- The game ends when one player cannot make a calculation. The other player is the winner.
It's your turn!
Try playing the game against someone else a few times to get a feel for it.
Do you have any good ways of winning?
Now it's time to work together with a partner, rather than against them.
Try to create a string of calculations that uses as many numbers as possible on the 0-20 number line.
Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 0-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?
Once you've had a good think about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.
Can you rearrange it into its original order?
If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes three copies of each statement.)
What about the 1-20 number line? Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 1-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?
Again, once you have thought about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.
Can you rearrange it into its original order?
If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes two copies of each statement.)
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