2023 Maths Challenge

Students received a problem book containing four problems and were required to present written solutions to these problems each week. The problems were challenging and required time and persistence. Students were able to work in groups of up to three, however separate solutions were submitted by each student. 

Students in Years 3 and 4 were challenged with the following 4 problems:

• Calculating a secret code to find the value of letters in the alphabet and calculate the sum of the letter values in specific names.
• Cutting strips of paper from designated rectangular areas in a specific way that would create 1 cm wide strips of paper. Students were then tasked with calculating the total length of these strips and using these lengths to form the border of a square space.
• Determining the quantity of flags that can be created with 3-horizontal strips and 3 different colours to meet specific criteria.
• Creating a number pattern using triangles on isometric grid paper and explore how to identify the pattern beyond their design.

Students in Years 5 and 6 were challenged with the following 4 problems:

• Solving gridded puzzles containing only 3-digit prime numbers
• Creating centi-cubes by placing 1cm cubes face to face and determining how many cubes were required to make each centi-cube. Students were then required to calculate which centi-cubes could be made from a large collection of individual cubes whilst adhering to specific criteria.
• Determining the quantity of flags that can be created with 4 equal rectangular regions and up to 5 different colours to meet specific criteria.
• Using ratios to determine the amount of specific ingredients and batch quantities used to make a breakfast cereal called Zirn Crunch.