Here is a number challenge that Stage 4 students looked at last week on an app called Verso. This app allows students to post answers or points for discussion anonymously (the teacher knows who writes the posts). This means students can add a comment and not worry about what other students might think of it.
You can’t post your answer anonymously, but have a go anyway.
As I drove to work the other day I noticed that my car had travelled a total of 80008 km. This is a palindromic number which means it can be written in reverse and have the same value. How many kilometres will I need to drive before the odometer displays a palindromic number again? What was the last palindromic number that my car odometer displayed?
Tania says
Was the last one 79997? And will the next number be 81118?
Donna says
79997 then 81018??
Teresa Michell says
Hi Tania
Thanks for being courageous and having a go. You are correct on the last number but can get closer to 80008 on the next number.
Regards
Teresa
Tania says
Ok – I am a sucker for a challenge! Is it 80108?
Teresa Michell says
Woo hoo!! You are spot on.
Tania says
At last! You can tell the first attempt was pre-coffee 🙂