Number

There are 366 different Starters of The Day, many to choose from. You will find below some starters on the topic of Number. A lesson starter does not have to be on the same topic as the main part of the lesson or the topic of the previous lesson. It is often very useful to revise or explore other concepts by using a starter based on a totally different area of Mathematics.

Main Page

Number Starters:

A Very Strange Game

Four different actions depending on the number which appears.

Abundant Buses

A game based around the concept of factors and abundant numbers.

Add 'em

Add up a sequence of consecutive numbers. Can you find a quick way to do it?

All The Nines

Add up all the multiples of nine in an elegant way.

Ancient Mysteries

This activity requires students to memorise fifteen numbers in a three by five grid.

Aunt Sophie's Post Office

Work out the number of stamps needed to post a parcel.

Birthday Clues

Work out the date Will was born by answering some number questions.

Can You Decide?

Recognise odd, even, square, prime and triangular numbers.

Christmas Bells

If all the bells ring together at noon, at what time will they next all ring together? This problem requires the use of LCM.

Christmas Eve

Is there a pattern in the number of palindromic numbers to be found less than powers of 10?

ClockEquate

Can you use the digits on the left of this clock along with any mathematical operations to equal the digits on the right?

Coins in Envelopes

Fifteen pennies are placed in four envelopes and the envelopes are sealed. It is possible to pay someone any amount from 1p to 15p by giving them one or more envelopes.

Consecutive Squares

What do you notice about the difference between the squares of consecutive numbers?

Dancing

Work out how many people were at the dance from the clues given.

Dice Nets

Determine whether the given nets would fold to produce a dice.

Dimidiate

Arrange the digits from 1 to 9 in alphabetical order. How many times can this number be halved?

Divided Age

How old is a person if when her age is divided by certain numbers, the calculator display ending are as shown.

Double Trouble

Begin with one, double it, double it again and so on. How many numbers in this sequence can you write down before the register has been called?

Factuples

Spot the factors and the multiples amongst the numbers in the grid.

Flabbergasted

If each number in a sequence must be a factor or multiple of the previous number what is the longest sequence that can be made from the given numbers?

Flowchart

Use the flowchart to generate a sequence of numbers. Which number will reach 1 the fastest?

Four Factors

Find four single digit numbers that multiply together to give 120. How many different ways are there of answering this question?

Four Problems

For mathematical questions to get everyone thinking at the beginning of the lesson.

Halve it

Start with 512. Halve it to get 256. Halve it to get 128. Continue as far as possible.

Handshakes

If all the students in this room shook hands with each other, how many handshakes would there be altogether?

Hot Numbers

Move the numbered cards to form five 2 digit numbers which are all multiples of three.

Hotel Digital

A puzzle about the lifts in a hotel which serve floors based on the day of the week.

House Numbers

The numbers on five houses next to each other add up to 70. What are those five numbers?

Inbetween Table

Write down as many multiples of 3.5 as possible in 3.5 minutes.

Last Day

The 31st of December is the last day of the year. What mathematical lasts do you know?

Leap Year

A question about the birthdays of a child born on the 29th February.

Letters in a Number

Questions about the number of letters in numbers.

Meta Products

Which numbers when multiplied by the number of letters in the word(s) of the number give square numbers?

Missing Terms

Find the missing terms from these linear sequences.

Name Again

Work out what the nth letter will be in a recurring pattern of letters in a person's name

Negative Numbers

Perform calculations involving negative numbers

No Partner

Find which numbers in a given list do not combine with other numbers on the list to make a given sum.

Number Riddles

Can you work out the numbers from the given clues.

Numbers in words

Write out in words some numbers writen as digits (optional pirate theme)

Odd One Out

From the numbers given, find the one that is the odd one out.

Only One Number

Find other numbers that can be changed to 1 on a calculator using only the 4 key and any operation.

Pears Make Squares

Find three numbers such that each pair of numbers adds up to a square number.

Perfect Numbers

Six is a perfect number as it is the sum of its factors. Can you find any other perfect numbers?

Plane Numbers

Arrange numbers on the plane shaped grid to produce the given totals

Pyramid Puzzle

Arrange numbers at the bottom of the pyramid which will give the largest total at the top.

Register

When the register is called answer with a multiple of 7.

Ropey Snowballs

Arrange the numbers on the snowballs so that no two consecutive numbers are directly connected by rope.

Satisfaction

Rearrange the numbers, row and column headings so that this table is mathematically correct.

Scaramouche

Can you work out from the five clues given what the mystery number is?

Seeing Squares

How many square numbers can be found in the grid of digits.

Sign Sequences

Continue the sequences if you can work out the rule.

Simple Nim

The classic game of Nim played with a group of pens and pencils. The game can be extended to the multi-pile version.

Small Satisfaction

Arrange the digits one to nine in the grid so that they obey the row and column headings.

Square and Even

Arrange the numbers on the cards so that each of the three digit numbers formed horizontally are square numbers and each of the three digit numbers formed vertically are even.

Square Angles

Find a trapezium, a triangle and a quadrilateral where all of the angles are square numbers.

Square Christmas Tree

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree using only square numbers.

Square Pairs

Arrange the numbered trees so that adjacent sums are square numbers.

Square Sequence

Write out as many square numbers as possible in 4 minutes.

Squigits

A challenge to find numbers which have each of their digits as square numbers.

The Power of Christmas

Find a power of 2 and a power of 3 that are consecutive numbers.

The story of ...

Be creative and come up with as many facts about a number as you can think of.

Tindice

How can you put the dice into the tins so that there is an odd number of dice in each tin?

Twelve Days

A Maths puzzle based on the 12 Days of Christmas song.

Two Numbers

Find the two numbers whose sum and product are given.

Upside Number

Work out the phone number from the clues given.

Venn Diagram

Arrange numbers on the Venn Diagram according to their properties.

What are they?

A starter about sums, products, differences, ratios, square and prime numbers.

Advanced Number Starters

 

Exercises

Binary Lights

Binary Lights

Represent binary numbers with a row of ligts which can be turned on or off.

Binary Numbers

Binary Numbers

Learn how to convert numbers from decimal to binary and from binary to decimal.

Chinese Numbers Jigsaw

Chinese Numbers Jigsaw

An online interactive jigsaw puzzle of a grid of Chinese number symbols.

Consecutive Numbers

Consecutive Numbers

Find the consective numbers that are added or multiplied to give the given totals

Counter

Counter

A dynamic visual aid that counts! Choose the first term, common difference and the speed

Delightfully Divisible

Delightfully Divisible

Arrange the digits one to nine to make a number which is divisible in the way described.

Dice Net Challenge

Dice Net Challenge

Drag the numbers onto the net so that when it is folded to form a cube numbers on opposite faces add up to prime numbers.

Divisibility Test

Divisibility Test

Practise using the quick ways to spot whether a number is divisible by the digits two to nine.

Divisibility Tests 2-12

Divisibility Tests 2-12

A visual aid designed to be projected in the classroom. Here you can find the quick ways of telling whether a number is exactly divisible by the numbers two to twelve.

Don't Shoot The Square

Don't Shoot The Square

You will need to be quick on the draw to shoot all of the numbers except the square numbers.

Dump-A-Dice Race

Dump-A-Dice Race

An online board game for two players involving prime and square numbers and making choices.

Equatero

Equatero

Find the expression from a series of guesses and clues.

Factor Trees

Factor Trees

Create factor trees to find the prime factors of the given numbers.

Fizz Buzzer

Fizz Buzzer

The digital version of the popular fizz buzz game. Press the buzzers if they are factors of the counter.

Formal Written Methods

Formal Written Methods

Examples of formal written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Goal Products

Goal Products

Arrange the numbered footballs on the goal posts to make three, 3-number products that are all the same.

HCF and LCM

HCF and LCM

Practise finding the highest common factor (H.C.F), sometimes called the greatest common divisor, and the lowest common multiple (L.C.M) of two numbers.

HCF and LCM Calculator

HCF and LCM Calculator

A demonstration of how to find the highest common factor (HCF or GCD) and the lowest common multiple (LCM) of two numbers.

Hot Number Challenges

Hot Number Challenges

These hot numbers challenges are for students with no access to a computer and are presented in a form suitable to be projected onto a whiteboard in front of a class.

Hot Numbers

Hot Numbers

Move the numbered cards to form five 2-digit numbers which obey the given rules. A ten-stage numeracy challenge.

Knowing Numbers

Knowing Numbers

Read, write, order and compare numbers from one to twenty.

Leapfrog

Leapfrog

An investigation of the minimum number of moves required to make the blue and green frogs swap places.

Lemon Law

Lemon Law

Change the numbers on the apples so that the number on the lemon is the given total.

Magic Square Puzzle

Magic Square Puzzle

Find all of the possible ways of making the magic total from the numbers in this four by four magic square.

Maths Mind Reader

Maths Mind Reader

Investigate this amazing mind reading performance based on simple mathematical principles.

Missing Terms

Missing Terms

Can you work out which numbers are missing from these number sequences?

Mix and Math

Mix and Math

Determine the nature of adding, subtracting and multiplying numbers with specific properties.

Nim

Nim

Nim is a mathematical game of strategy in which two players take turns removing objects from groups of objects.

No Partner

No Partner

Find which numbers in a given list do not combine with other numbers on the list to make a given sum.

Number Grids

Number Grids

Investigate the properties of number with these interactive number grids.

Number Jigsaws

Number Jigsaws

Online, interactive jigsaw puzzles of grids of numbers.

Number Line

Number Line

This number line visual aid is designed to be projected onto a whiteboard for whole class exposition.

Number Rhyme

Number Rhyme

A poem about the numbers one to nine. Just for fun can you make up a last line for each verse?

Number Skills Inventory

Number Skills Inventory

A checklist of basic numeracy techniques that every pupil should know.

Number Systems

Number Systems

Place the numbers in the correct sets in this concentric circles Venn diagram.

Pairs 240

Pairs 240

Find the pairs of numbers that multiply together to give a product of 240 in this collection of matching games.

Pandigital Numbers

Pandigital Numbers

An exercise exploring the properties of nine-digit numbers containing each of the digits 1 to 9.

Pascal's Patterns

Pascal's Patterns

See the number patterns on Pascal's Triangle with this colourful, interactive application.

Pascal's Triangle

Pascal's Triangle

Get to know this famous number pattern with some revealing learning activities

Pesto

Pesto

Students classify numbers randomly appearing on the screen by holding up cards

Pick The Primes

Pick The Primes

Pick the prime fruit from the tree as quickly as possible. Practise to improve your personal best time.

Plane Numbers

Plane Numbers

Arrange numbers on the plane shaped grid to produce the given totals

Playing Card Maths

Playing Card Maths

Imagine you are on a desert island with nothing but a pack of playing cards. Do you have to stop learning mathematics?

Powten

Powten

Practise multiplying and dividing by powers of ten without using a calculator.

Prime Labyrinth

Prime Labyrinth

Find the path to the centre of the labyrinth by moving along the prime numbers.

Prime Numbers Jigsaw

Prime Numbers Jigsaw

Interactive jigsaw puzzles of different types of grids containing prime numbers.

Prime Pairs Game

Prime Pairs Game

A game for two players who take turns to select two numbers that add up to a prime number.

Prime Square

Prime Square

Drag the numbers into the red cells so that the sum of the three numbers in each row and each column is a prime number.

Prison Cell Problem

Prison Cell Problem

A number patterns investigation involving prisoners and prison guards.

Product Square

Product Square

Arrange the given numbers in a three by three grid to obtain the diagonal, row and column products.

River Crossing

River Crossing

The traditional River Crossing challenge. Can you do it in the smallest number of moves?

Roman Numerals Jigsaw

Roman Numerals Jigsaw

An online interactive jigsaw puzzle of a grid of Roman numerals.

Roman Numerals Quiz

Roman Numerals Quiz

This online, self marking quiz tests your ability to convert Roman numerals.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction

This is quite a challenging number grouping puzzle requiring a knowledge of prime, square and triangular numbers.

Satisfy

Satisfy

Place the nine numbers in the table so they obey the row and column headings about the properties of the numbers.

Scallywags and Scoundrels

Scallywags and Scoundrels

Arrange the scallywags and scoundrels on the chairs so that the numbers of any two sitting next to each other add up to a prime number.

Sieve of Eratosthenes

Sieve of Eratosthenes

A self checking, interactive version of the Sieve of Eratosthenes method of finding prime numbers.

Square and Even

Square and Even

Arrange the numbers on the cards so that each of the three digit numbers formed horizontally are square numbers and each of the three digit numbers formed vertically are even.

Square Pairs Game

Square Pairs Game

A game for two players who take turns to select two numbers that add up to a square number.

Suko Sujiko

Suko Sujiko

Interactive number-based logic puzzles similar to those featuring in daily newspapers.

Thai Numbers Jigsaw

Thai Numbers Jigsaw

An online interactive jigsaw puzzle of a grid of Thai number symbols.

Three Prime Sum

Three Prime Sum

A self-marking challenge to write each of the given numbers as the sum of three prime numbers.

Three Ways

Three Ways

Find three different ways of multiplying four different digits together to get the given target number. There are nine levels for this online challenge.

Times Square

Times Square

Practise your times tables with this self-checking multiplication grid.

Times Tables

Times Tables

A collection of activities to help you learn your times tables in only 5 days.

Twelve Days

Twelve Days

How many gifts did my true love send to me according to the traditional Christmas song 'Twelve Days of Christmas'.

Venn Diagram

Venn Diagram

Place each of the numbers 1 to 16 on the correct regions on the Venn diagram.

Watsadoo

Watsadoo

Rotate the cogs to catch the flying numbers in the correct sections.

What Are They?

What Are They?

An online exercise about sums, products, differences, ratios, square and prime numbers.

 

Other activities for this topic | | |  Complete Index of Starters

Search

The activity you are looking for may have been classified in a different way from the way you were expecting. You can search the whole of Transum Maths by using the box below.

 

 

Have today's Starter of the Day as your default homepage. Copy the URL below then select
Tools > Internet Options (Internet Explorer) then paste the URL into the homepage field.

Set as your homepage (if you are using Internet Explorer)

 

Do you have any comments? It is always useful to receive feedback and helps make this free resource even more useful for those learning Mathematics anywhere in the world. Click here to enter your comments.

Apple

©1997-2024 WWW.TRANSUM.ORG