Albany+ Math
Bringing Math To Albany Families
A.K.A.
Family Math Time!!!
Issue #3
Embedded Files
Greetings Albany Families!
At its very essence, mathematics is the study of patterns. Mathematicians do three things:
* Mathematicians NOTICE patterns.
* Mathematicians DESCRIBE patterns.
* Mathematicians GENERALIZE patterns.
One of the most fun ways to interact with math/patterns is through games and puzzles. "Albany+ Math" (A+ Math for short) aims to bring to you fun math activities for the whole family. These games and puzzles are intended to be enjoyed together as a family. Project this page onto your big screen TV and go for it! Family Math Time! These activities can be done cooperatively, in competition, or side by side - whichever your family enjoys more (or whichever method will avoid family conflict!). Some of these activities are aimed towards specific age levels while others accessible to all ages. However, don't let our age recommendations limit you - try anything and everything on this page!
Math is a beautiful thing that is all around us and math is meant to be experienced, explored, and enjoyed! We invite you to join us in the journey of experiencing math together through A+ math this year.
WHICH ONE DOESN'T BELONG?
In each set of 4, which one doesn't belong? How do you know? Are there other possibilities? How many different answers can you come up with?
Discuss, chat, and even argue about which one doesn't belong.
Primary
Intermediate
Middle School
High School
Complete each puzzle by filling in the blanks. Can you find multiple solution?
Primary
OPEN NUMBER LINE
Use the digits 1 to 9, at most one time each, place a digit in each box on the number line to make the number line true.
NOTE: number line not drawn to scale
Intermediate
CREATE A PATTERN
Use the digits 0 to 9, at the most one time each, place a digit in each box to make a pattern that changes by the same amount each time.
Middle School
MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING RATIONAL NUMBERS
Using the integers -9 to 9 at most one time each, fill in the boxes to create a quotient with the greatest possible value.
High School
PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTS
Directions: Using the digits 1 to 9 at most one time each, fill in the boxes to make an equation where the product’s exponent has the greatest possible value.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Find the next 3 terms in the pattern. How do you know? What is the pattern?
* 12, 14, 16, 18, ___, ___, ___
* 10, 20, 30, 40, ___, ___, ___
* 10, 20, 40, 80, ___, ___, ___
* 3, 11, 35, 107, ___, ___, ___
* 1, 8, 27, 64, ___, ___, ___
* J, F, M, A, M, ___, ___, ___
MATH ART CHALLENGE
Isometric Cube Cutouts
Try your hand at this week's Math Art Challenge. Click here for detailed directions.
The Challenge: Draw a cube by connecting 3 rhombi (see below). Then use lines parallel to those of the rhombi to embellish the cube.
Materials Needed: writing surface, writing utensil, straight edge, colors
Math concepts you could explore with this challenge: geometric construction, isometric grids, lines, perspective, polygons, polyhedra, topology, vertices/intersections
MATH GAME: Dara
Nigerian 3 in a Row with a Twist
Dara, a game played in Nigeria by the Dakakari people, as well as in Niger and Mali, is a 3 in a row game with a twist. It is not a difficult game, but you really have to pay attention to the board and plan ahead. This exciting game is a great warmup game for those who are learning how to play chess.
Learn to play Dara by watching the accompanying video or checking out the directions on this link.
What do you think the graph is about?
As you slowly advance through the slides
(click the right arrow button),
make predictions about the graph.
ONLINE MATH GAME -
Game About Squares
Game about Squares is one favorite critical thinking/problem solving games of all time. The premise is simple: Move all the squares to their corresponding circles. Get ready for a challenge!
PUZZLE ME THIS, BATMAN!
DID YOU KNOW?
*The average golf ball has 336 dimples.
*Brazil covers 50% of the South American continent.
MATH FUNNY FOR YOUR TUMMY!
Q: Why do plants hate math?
A: It gives them square roots.
Q: Why was the math book depressed?
A: It had a lot of problems.
Q: Why is the obtuse triangle always so frustrated?
A: Because it is never right.
THINK AGAIN!
Math is universal, timeless, and never-changing, right? My mom's math is my grandma's math is my great grandma's math, right?
Sometimes, it's fun and even potentially useful to think about "old" things in new ways. Calculating 50% of 18 is rather straightforward... Most people would find it more challenging to calculate 18% of 50. Watch this video from Fresno State Professor Howie Hua and marvel about how percentages are reversible!
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