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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Factor Track

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Primary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions
  • Teachers' Resources


Factor Track is not a race but a game of skill.
Below is a simple training version. The idea is to go round the track in as few turns as possible, keeping to the rules.
 

track


 
Rules:
You start on the (yellow) 60 and must make your way round to the (red) 'end' square.
You can move any factor of the number you are on, except 1.
You must land exactly on each green square, so you can't go round corners in one turn.
 
Have a go at moving round this 'training' track following the rules.  
Can you do it in fewer turns?

When you feel ready, try this more complicated track where there are possible short cuts. You will have to work out whether they are worthwhile.

 bigger track


You might find it easier to print out this larger copy of the track which also has the rules on it.

You can do this on your own or with a friend. Who can get round in the least number of turns?

What is the best route to take to do it in the least number of turns?
Which squares do you need to land on?

Printable NRICH Roadshow resource.

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Area and Perimeter

What can you say about these shapes? This problem challenges you to create shapes with different areas and perimeters.

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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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