Step 10 Objective

Solve increasingly demanding problems and evaluate solutions; explore connections in mathematics across a range of contexts: number, algebra, shape, space and measures, and handling data.


What if pupils find this a barrier?

diagram showing three lines crossing

Line Crossings

  • Draw three straight lines (line segments) so that some cross over each other.
  • How many crossings are there?
  • Try different arrangements of the lines. What is the maximum number of possible crossings?
  • Try using more lines.
  • Is there a rule for the maximum for any number of lines? If so, write it down.

Use the problem Line Crossings.

Ask the pupil to look back at the earlier solutions and explain how the patterns are developing. Then ask them to extend the problem as was started in Step 9 Line Crossing.