Number pyramids investigation 1

A complete lesson on number pyramids, with an emphasis on pupils forming and solving linear equations. An excellent way of getting pupils to consolidate methods for solving in an unfamiliar setting, and for them to think mathematically about what they are doing.

Activities included:

Starter:
Slides to introduce how number pyramids work, followed by a simple worksheet to check pupils understand (see cover slide)

Main:

• A prompt to a harder question for pupils to try. They will probably use trial and improvement and this will lead nicely to showing the merits of a direct algebraic method of obtaining an answer.
• A second, very similar question for pupils to try. The numbers have simply swapped positions, so there is some value in getting pupils to predict how this will impact the answer.
• A prompt for pupils to investigate further for themselves, along with a few suggested further lines of inquiry. There are lots of ways the task could be extended, but my intention is that this particular lesson would probably focus more on pupils looking at combinations by rearranging a set of chosen numbers and thinking about what will happen as they do this. I have made two other number pyramid lessons with slightly different emphases.

Plenary:
A prompt to a similar looking question that creates an entirely different solution, to get pupils thinking about different types of equation.

Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!