Albany+ Math
Bringing Math To Albany Families
A.K.A.
Family Math Time!!!
Issue #6
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
ADDING 2 DIGIT NUMBERS
Using the digits 1 to 9 at most one time each, place a digit in each box to make the smallest (or largest) sum.
Intermediate
AREA & PERIMETER OF A RECTANGLE
Using the digits 1-9 at most once each, create a rectangle with an area as close to 500 and a perimeter as close to 100 as possible.
Middle School
AREA OF AN OBTUSE TRIANGLE
Using the digits 1 to 9 at most one time each, place a digit in each box to make a triangle with side lengths that give the corresponding area.
High School
CIRCLE TANGENT TO LINE
Using the digits 0 to 9 at most one time each, place a digit in each box to create a circle tangent to the line x+y=5.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
What will the next 3 entries in the pattern look like? Draw.
What will the 43rd entry look like?
Bonus: Can you figure out the equation for the pattern?
MATH ART CHALLENGE
Circle Toruses
Try your hand at this week's Math Art Challenge. Click here for detailed directions.
The Challenge: Find a smaller circle you can trace. Then trace large circle to use as a guide. Finally, trace a bunch of smaller circles in a ring to create a torus (more commonly known as a donut).
Materials Needed: Paper, writing utensil(s), circles/compass. The circles can be whatever, but rigid is helpful and even better if they’re empty (masking tape is great!)
Math concepts you could explore with this challenge: circles, geometric construction, proportions/ratios (to get interlocking tori, there are restrictions on the possible ratios between the circles)
MATH GAME -
Dots & Boxes
For an interesting twist to the classic Dots and Boxes game, try this Hexagon version!
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 -
Ken Ken
PUZZLE ME THIS, BATMAN!
The numbers 1 to 64 are written in order on the chessboard below. What is the sum of the numbers in the yellow squares minus the sum of the numbers in the white squares?
DID YOU KNOW?
*111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
*You take over 23,000 breaths everyday.
MATH FUNNY FOR YOUR TUMMY!
Q: Why did the student wear glasses during math class?
A: It helped di-vision.
Q: How do you make seven an even number?
A: Remove the s.
Q: If I had six oranges in one hand and four apples in the other hand, what would I have?
A: Really big hands!
The problem with math puns is that calculus jokes are all derivative, trigonometry jokes are too graphic, algebra jokes are usually formulaic, and arithmetic jokes are pretty basic.
But I guess the occasional statistics joke is an outlier.
Amazingly comprehensive map of every country in the world that uses the MMDDYYYY format
THINK AGAIN!
James Tanton shares the story of how staring at his childhood ceiling ignied and inspired his love for math.