Every year the remarkable maths website Mathigon runs a puzzle advent calendar, publishing a problem a day from December 1 to 24. I’ve had a peek at this year’s puzzles and selected three of the ones I liked the most.
1. The seven digits
Note: ‘products of’ means ‘multiplications of’.
2. A plurality of paths.
You could count them all one by one, but that’s too laborious. There’s a lovely method to be found instead.
3. Flipping frogs.
Thanks to Mathigon for today’s puzzles. If you haven’t visited the site before, it’s a beautiful, free website that explores school maths via gorgeous and clever interactive animations.
I’ll be back at 5pm UK with the solutions. Please NO SPOILERS!
UPDATE: The solutions are up here.
Thanks to Philipp Legner of Mathigon. Flipping frogs was designed by James Tanton. The Mathigon puzzle advent calendar begins on December 1.
I set a puzzle here every two weeks on a Monday. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.
I also give school talks about maths and puzzles (restrictions allowing). If your school is interested please get in touch.
I’m the author of several books of maths and puzzles, most recently The Language Lover’s Puzzle Book, but all of which would make fantastic Christmas gifts!
