Drag this handle to use the spatula to toss the pancakes.
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Numeracy"Numeracy is a proficiency which is developed mainly in Mathematics but also in other subjects. It is more than an ability to do basic arithmetic. It involves developing confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It requires understanding of the number system, a repertoire of mathematical techniques, and an inclination and ability to solve quantitative or spatial problems in a range of contexts. Numeracy also demands understanding of the ways in which data are gathered by counting and measuring, and presented in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables." Secondary National Strategy, Mathematics at key stage 3 |
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The objective is to stack all of the pancakes in order with the largest at the bottom and the smallest at the top. To do this drag the spatula down the page then insert it carefully between any two pancakes or below the bottom pancake. When you release your mouse button all of the pancakes above the spatula will be tossed, which in this case means they will be turned over so their order will be reversed. Continue the process until you have the ordered stack.
Level 1 - The 4 pancake puzzle.
Level 2 - The 5 pancake puzzle.
Level 3 - The 6 pancake puzzle.
Level 4 - The 7 pancake puzzle.
Level 5 - The 8 pancake puzzle.
Extension activity: Work out the smallest number of tosses required to order a stack of pancakes regardless of how much they are initially mixed up.
More Puzzles including lesson Starters, visual aids, investigations and self-marking exercises.
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Read more about Pancake Numbers in the excellent book Casebook of Mathematical Mysteries by Professor Ian Stewart
Transum,
Monday, September 17, 2018
"The topic of pancake numbers is the subject of the only well-known mathematics paper by Microsoft founder Bill Gates (as William Gates). The paper was titled Bounds for Sorting by Prefix Reversal and was published in 1979. It describes an efficient algorithm for pancake sorting."