Mr McVey’s Mysterious Maths – Slightly Early Festive Edition

As we head towards the beginning of December and start to feel the first tingles of Christmas spirit, why not have a go at the following brainteasers. Solutions can be handed to me in person or emailed to r.mcvey@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk.

Correct ones will be rewarded with a Head’s Breakfast.

Enjoy!

Problem 1

I have been set a task of finding every Christmas cracker that has been put in my house.

I have been given two clues:

  1. “The total number of crackers to find is one more than a square number but one less than a cube number”.
  2. “There are less than 1000 crackers”.

How many crackers do I need to find?

Problem 2

Every year I get more popular and get 3 more birthday cards than the previous year.

On my 1st birthday I received 7 cards, on my second birthday I received 10 cards etc.

How many cards did I receive on my 25th birthday?

Problem 3

I have a present to wrap that is in a box measuring 40cm by 30cm by 20cm .

I am trying to be environmentally friendly this year so want to use the minimum amount of wrapping paper possible.

How much wrapping paper do I need?

Mr McVey

Teacher of Maths

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  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award