Math Arguments

Problems, Questions, and Puzzles to spark discussion and argument in the maths classroom.

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Item 693

Two-Button Calculator

A calculator, initially displaying 0, has two buttons: + adds one to the number on display; x multiplies number on display by ten. What is the least number of button presses needed to show 5034?

How do you know that was the fewest number of operations?

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Find the Pattern
James Tanton
LOGIC

Source: James Tanton

Today's Puzzle Explained with #explodingdots: A calculator, initially displaying 0, has two buttons: + adds one to the number on display; x multiplies number on display by ten. What is the least number of button presses needed to show 5034? How do you know least? @GlobalMathProj pic.twitter.com/cpmWV81Prm
— James Tanton (@jamestanton) October 12, 2020

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