Maths Work Out 1 – Think of a Number …

“Think of a Number” is a common starting point for maths problems that use algebra.  But you don’t need to know or use algebra to have fun with them.   So …

 

Think of a number, and write it down.  Double your number, and write down the answer.  Add 12 to that answer, and write that down.  Multiply that answer by 3, and write that down.  Subtract 18 from that answer, and write down the new answer.  Divide that by 6, and write down your final answer.

Now choose another number, and follow the above steps.  Is there a pattern?  If you can’t see one, try choosing another answer and following the steps again.  If there is a pattern, can you predict what the final answer will be if you start with a different number?  Will that always happen?  If you believe it will, can you prove it?  If you believe it won’t, can you find an exception?