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

Take Three from Five Poster

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions

Yes, any set of five whole numers will always include three numbers which add up to a multiple of 3.

Why?

Imagine trying to find five whole numbers which don't include three numbers that add up to a multiple of 3.

Three multiples of 3 add up to a multiple of 3, so we can use maximum two multiples of 3.

Three numbers that are 1 more than a multiple of 3 add up to a multiple of 3.
To represent a number 1 more than a multiple of 3:  

e.g. 13 

Three numbers that are 1 more than a multiple of 3: 

So we can use maximum two numbers that are 1 more than a multiple of 3.

Three numbers that are 2 more than a multiple of 3 add up to a multiple of 3: 

So we can use maximum two numbers that are 2 more than a multiple of 3.

So we could have two multiples of 3, two that are 1 more than multiples of 3, and one that is 2 more than a multiple of 3 (or a different arrangement of 2, 2, 1).

However, that will always include at least one of each type of number. Those add up to a multiple of 3: 

Related Collections

  • Secondary Posters
  • More Posters

You may also like

Arithmagons Poster

Arithmagons Poster

Squares in Rectangles Poster

Squares In Rectangles Poster

Isosceles Triangles Poster

Isosceles Triangles Poster - February 2005

  • 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