If by now you are engaged in the Sphinx problem, this is where you can be diverted from your initial interest of finding out about the Mathematics Task Centre Project.

• For more on the Sphinx Problem, you can explore the options below that are linked from this page.
• However, if, for now, you want to pursue your interest in the Task Centre Project, then read on down and choose the link that suits you below.

Sphinx 3

Currently four solutions are known to this problem and each has its own story. After struggling with the problem yourself you can read about them at:

• Sphinx 3 Solutions

Sphinxes 5, 6, & 7

Having conquered the Size 3 Sphinx, Louise Anderton (aged 14 from Gnosall, England) accepted the challenge of constructing the Size 5 (if it existed). Her solution (which she wants me to tell you was arrived at with only a little help from her mum, Zoë) can be found at More Sphinx Solutions below.

Here you will also find that, rather than tackle her homework during the Easter break, Louise continued her constructions to solve both the Size 6 and Size 7 Sphinxes.

• Sphinxes 5, 6, 7

Mathematics Task Centre Project

The information above certainly illustrates that Sphinx satisfies the Task Centre Project criteria of:

• the task needs hands-on materials to support the solution of the problem
• the task is intrinsically motivating
• the task contains an intellectual challenge likely to bring some success in 15 - 20 minutes
• the task as presented is the tip of an iceberg which provides deeper investigation
• the task has three lives

To appreciate how the task can be used to illustrate the process of Working Mathematically, consider either of the following lessons. Following either one you will find a link to the Task Centre Home Base on the web.

• Move on to:
  • Patterns & Powers
    Lesson Set A based on Sphinx - Curriculum Corporation Task 166
    Patterns & Powers contains a number of photos. It will take longer to down load than normal. However you will be able to read through the text while the photos are being brought in. They are worth the wait.
  • Shapes & Perimeter
    Lesson Set B based on Sphinx - Curriculum Corporation Task 166
  • Task Centre Home Base

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