Solve quadratic equations and use continued fractions to find
rational approximations to irrational numbers.
Can you make a square from these triangles?
This article sets some puzzles and describes how Euclid's algorithm
and continued fractions are related.
If the yellow equilateral triangle is taken as the unit for area,
what size is the hole ?
Try this interactivity to familiarise yourself with the proof that the square root of 2 is irrational. Sort the steps of the proof into the correct order.
Can you work out the irrational numbers that belong in the circles to make the multiplication arithmagon correct?
Using the interactivity, can you make a regular hexagon from yellow
triangles the same size as a regular hexagon made from green
In this article we show that every whole number can be written as a continued fraction of the form k/(1+k/(1+k/...)).
An introduction to proof by contradiction, a powerful method of mathematical proof.
Tim Rowland introduces irrational numbers
Ranging from kindergarten mathematics to the fringe of research
this informal article paints the big picture of number in a non
technical way suitable for primary teachers and older students.
Prove that sqrt2, sqrt3 and sqrt5 cannot be terms of ANY arithmetic
What fractions can you find between the square roots of 56 and 58?
Given that a, b and c are natural numbers show that if sqrt a+sqrt
b is rational then it is a natural number. Extend this to 3
Show that there are infinitely many rational points on the unit
circle and no rational points on the circle x^2+y^2=3.
This problem is a sequence of linked mini-challenges leading up to the proof of a difficult final challenge, encouraging you to think mathematically. Starting with one of the mini-challenges, how. . . .
Prove that if a is a natural number and the square root of a is
rational, then it is a square number (an integer n^2 for some
Can you work out where the blue-and-red brick roads end?
Which of these triangular jigsaws are impossible to finish?
A spiropath is a sequence of connected line segments end to end
taking different directions. The same spiropath is iterated. When
does it cycle and when does it go on indefinitely?