Mathematical Investigation

Have you got change?

The other day I was asked if I could change a 50 pence piece. I had more than 50 pence in coins in my pocket but I could not make exactly 50 pence.

50p

Can you find several ways this could happen?

What is the largest amount I could have had in my pocket?

[See also Take Baht and Combinations]

Globe of Flags

This activity is suitable for pupils of mathematics all around the world. Use the button below to change the currency used to make it more relevant to your pupils. You may wish to choose an unfamiliar currency to extend your pupils' experience.

Globe of Flags

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A mathematical investigation is quite different to other mathematical activities. The best investigations are open ended and allow students to choose the way they work and how they record their findings. It is one of the few occasions when 'going off on a tangent' is not only acceptable but actively encouraged (within reason).

Students may ask for 'the answers' but this supposes that the activity is closed. Investigations can always be extended by varying the initial instructions or asking the question 'what if...?'. Sometimes students point out that the instructions are ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways. This is fine and the students are encouraged to explain how they interpreted the instructions in their report.

Some students may benefit from a writing frame when producing the reports of their investigations. Teachers may suggest sections or headings such as Introduction, Interpretation, Research, Working and Conclusion or something similar.

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