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Weird Universes

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions

Four identical robots and their enemies, the stick men, live in small universes based on squares with the opposites sides identified (i.e. corresponding to the same points in space) in various ways, as shown in the diagrams below:

Consider these universes. In which ways could the stick men shoot the robots? Which create a geometry which can be made in 3 dimensions out of a sheet of paper? Perhaps you might like to experiment with other universes?
Did you know ... ?

String theory suggests that each point we see in 3D space is in fact a higher dimensional surface wrapped up in very specific ways.

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Euler's Formula

Some simple ideas about graph theory with a discussion of a proof of Euler's formula relating the numbers of vertces, edges and faces of a graph.

Air Nets

Can you visualise whether these nets fold up into 3D shapes? Watch the videos each time to see if you were correct.

Stereoisomers

Put your visualisation skills to the test by seeing which of these molecules can be rotated onto each other.

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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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