Problem Teachers' Notes Hint Solution

Of course this problem is rather like a function machine, but it can be more interesting for the pupils and easily extended to challenge a wide range of pupils. It could be used to introduce children to the idea of common factors.

It may be nessary to introduce the class to just one number going in and to give them one outcome to start with so that they understand the process. Then, gradually increase the number of numbers going in until you reach four, as in the problem. Your own examples can be adjusted in complexity according to the level of your pupils.

What might have gone on in the box to get this number answer?

Could that have produced the other answers too?

Outputs like $165, 45, 135$ and $315$ could obviously have "$ \times 5$" in the box, meaning the inputs were $33, 9, 27$ and $63$ but there is another possibility when fraction multiplication is allowed. If "$ \times 3.75$" was in the box then the input numbers would have been $44, 12, 36$ and $84$. In this example it would be appropriate to ask experienced pupils what was happening - in other words, encourage them to recognise that there are two solutions and ask them to explain how and why the numbers relate to each other. Challenging pupils in this way will almost certainly get them to consider number relationships very seriously, reinforcing what they have learnt and opening doors to further learning. Some pupils could go on to invent their own for others to do.

For just one number going in you can use counters and a cloth. Cover the counters with the cloth and then secretly add the required extra number of counters under the cover before revealing them to the pupil. Then a number of probing questions can be asked: How many counters now? What must have happened under the cover? As they tackle the main problem, some learners might find it useful to have a multiplication square or calculator available.