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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Alex Bellos

Can you solve it? Naughty knights

Monty Python & The Holy Grail - 1974
Monty Python & The Holy Grail - 1974
 Photograph: Python/Emi/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

In the recreational maths world, puzzle advent calendars are a thing. One of my favourites is produced by Mathigon, a beautiful free website for students, teachers and self-learners, and from which I have selected today’s puzzles. Merry solving, everyone!

1. The knights are drawing in.

How many knights can be placed on the board such that no knight is attacking another knight? A chess knight hops two squares horizontally/vertically and one to the side.
In other words, how many knights can be placed on the board such that no knight is attacking another knight? A chess knight hops two squares horizontally/vertically and one to the side. Illustration: Mathigon

2. The missing number round.

puzzle-2

3. Square are you?

puzzle-4

4. Hexa-going, hexa-going, hexagon.

puzzle-5
Balls can only travel downwards, i.e. no bouncebacks! Photograph: mathigon

5. Satsuma segment.

puzzle-3

I’ll be back at 5pm UK with the answers.

UPDATE: Solutions are now up here.

NO SPOILERS. Please discuss your favourite knights.

Thanks to Mathigon, which belongs to international edtech firm Amplify. Mathigon is one of the most engaging and creative maths resources on the web, and is free. Check it out!

I’ve been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.

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