Mathematics

Everyday Maths

Maths can be such an engaging activity to enjoy with each other. Sometimes we don't even know when we are thinking like mathematicians. 

There are so many opportunities for Maths in everyday life such as: 

- hitting the snooze button on the alarm clock (automatically reading the time) 

- knowing what activities are on each day and when (using a timetable and an understanding of ordinal numbers) 

- following a recipe (using measurements) 

- calculating approx costs of products at the supermarket (including change)

Some puzzles can include an element of Maths that you might never have thought of. A large part of Maths is reasoning, logic and justifying which we often do when trying to problem solve. Have a go at a few of the ones below with your child. Remember to justify how/why you came up with your solution (sometimes more important that the solution itself!)  

Fish puzzle 

Move three sticks and to make the fish swim in the opposite direction.

Coin triangle 

Move only three coins to turn the triangle upside down. 

Dots in a square

An old time favourite, simple puzzle which illustrates the idea of 'thinking outside the box.' Join all the dots using four straight lines without lifting your pencil.

Pentagon and a star 

How many triangles can you find? 

Hint: If you have only found 10, keep looking!