Mathematics for the Millennium

Key Stage 1

Problem of the Day

As Maths Week has now ended, here are all the problems:

Problem 1: Boxing Numbers

Suppose you put the digits 1 to 9 into three boxes so that 1, 5 and 7 are in one box, 2, 4 and 8 are in the second box and 3 and 9 are in the third box.

Which box should I put 6 in and why? (do it practically)

Problem 2: Multilink Models

Using Multilink:

• Make a small dining table with 20 cubes.
• Use 4 cubes to make a chair.
• With 18 cubes make a camel.
• Use 13 cubes to make dog.
• Make some more animals.

Problem 3: Count the Legs

A bird has 2 legs, a cat has 4 legs, an insect has six legs and a spider has 8 legs.

I can see 20 legs - what could I be looking at?

Problem 4: Ice Cream Options

On an ice cream cone you can have Vanilla, Strawberry or Chocolate or all three or just two flavours.

How many different ice creams can you buy from Mr Nice Guy's ice cream van?

Draw as many of them as you can.

Problem 5: Posting Cubes

If you had to send a package of 12 cubes through the post what shape could it be?

Which way of putting the cubes together needs the least amount of wrapping paper?