Most of us love manipulating things. Yet, the word manipulate is a rather new one. The first recorded instance of its use was less than 200 years ago, in 1834. It derives ultimately from the Latin manipulus which meant a “full hand” or “handful” … and we certainly like to keep our hands full (or occupied).
This is a wonderful form of play and discovery … not simply arranging shapes, but changing them or arranging/combining them in three dimensions.
The match sticks depicted here have been cleverly manipulated and hint at a relationship. Mathematical relationships are different from the one hinted at here, of course, but I thought the image would present a clever visual pun … that we manipulate objects to discover or show relationships between things!
How can you balance a twenty cent piece on the (vertical) edge of a ten dollar note?
This is not a particularly difficult challenge, but it will give you a 'taste' for manipulation questions.
Carefully examine what you HAVE been asked to do and then examine your assumptions and whether you have been asked explicity NOT to do certain things. Sometimes, we assume that there are more restrictions than there really are!
When you are ready to compare your solution with my one, please click here.
I would describe Graeme as one of the best tutors I ever had. During my school years I spent some time attending one of the major tutoring organizations in town and I found it was difficult for the tutors to spend the time needed to assist me with problem solving due to the class size. My mother rang a private tutor in the phone book who gave her Graeme’s phone number as he specialized in tutoring high school students and was a teacher who used to work at my school. He offered a tutoring service at convenient times which suited our busy life style. The one-on-one service that Graeme provides was what I needed and I saw improvements straight away with my exam results. This made my parents very happy and I found a new confidence in approaching exams. I have since left school but have stayed in contact with Graeme and he has provided me with terrific practical suggestions in preparing for interviews. I would not hesitate in recommending Graeme as a great teacher.
James C (Student, 2012)
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