#MATHS WITH ANDRE BLOG

“Hi, I’m Andre! Welcome to my blog where we make maths fun, friendly, and confidence-boosting—one puzzle at a time.”

**Welcome to the Maths with Andre Blog!**

I’m so glad you’re here.

This is the very first Maths with Andre blog post — and the start of something I’m really excited to share with you. Whether you’re a parent looking for ways to support your child, a student wanting to build confidence, or just someone who enjoys the beauty of numbers, you’re in the right place.

Each month, I’ll be posting something to make Maths feel more approachable, enjoyable, and yes — even fun!

Expect puzzles that make you think, tricks that make life easier, and tips that help turn “I can’t” into “I can.”

Because Maths isn’t just about getting the answer — it’s about discovering patterns, solving problems, and learning to think in brilliant new ways.

So… let’s get started.

Some puzzles and interesting bits:

Green Level

"I’m thinking of a number. I double it, subtract 6, and get 10. What’s my number?"

Can you figure it out?

Try solving it step by step — and don’t scroll too fast!

How to Solve:

Let’s call the number

According to the puzzle:

Double it: 2

Subtract 6: 2 - 6

It equals 10: 2 - 6 = 10

Let’s try and write it like an equation.

2 - 6 = 10

2 = 16

= 8

The number is 8!

Why This Is Great for Learners:

This kind of puzzles teach the children how to form and solve equations without it feeling scary. It’s logic in action — and builds confidence fast.

Try asking your child to make up their own version of the puzzle. It’s a fun way to practice algebra without calling it "algebra".

Amber Level

“I’m thinking of a number. I triple it, subtract 8, divide the result by 2, and then add 5.

The final answer is 19.

What’s my number?”

Ninja Level

“A number is squared, then 4 is subtracted.

The result is divided by 2, and then 7 is added.

The final answer is 30.

What is the original number?”

Hexagons: Nature’s Favourite Shape

(What is your favourite shape?)

What is a Hexagon?

A hexagon is a 2D shape with 6 straight sides and 6 angles.

**Key Features:**

- It has 6 sides (from the Greek 'hex' = six).

- It has 6 corners, or vertices.

- The interior angles of a regular hexagon (where all sides and angles are equal) are each 120°.

- The total of all interior angles is: (6 - 2) × 180 = 720°

**Regular vs Irregular Hexagon**

Regular Hexagon: All sides and angles are equal.

Irregular Hexagon: Sides and angles are not all the same.

**Where Do We See Hexagons?**

Did you know that bees use hexagons to build their honeycombs — and it’s not just cute, it’s mathematically genius?

- Honeycombs: Bees use hexagons because they fit together perfectly without gaps — efficient and strong!

- Snowflakes: Often have hexagonal symmetry.

- Tiling: Hexagons are one of only three shapes that tile a flat surface without gaps.

Cool fact:

If you draw a circle and step around the edge with the same radius, you’ll step exactly 6 times — forming a perfect regular hexagon!

**Shape Word Puzzle**

Instructions:

Find the names of the shapes hidden in the grid below.

The words can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and even backwards.

T R I A N G L E S Q

C I R C L E S Q U A

U A D R I L A T E R

A P A R A L L E L O

G R A M P E N T A G

O N H E X A G O N S

O C T A G O N S Q U

A R E T R I A N G L

E C I R C L E S Q U

A D R I L A T E R A

P A R A L L E L O G

R A M P E N T A G O

N H E X A G O N S Q

Words to Find:

Triangle

Circle

Square

Quadrilateral

Parallelogram

Pentagon

Hexagon

Octagon

You’ve found a locked box with a 3-digit code.

The clues are:

The digits are all different.

The first digit is twice the last digit.

The digits add up to 12.

The number does not contain a 5.

Can you crack the code?

**Alan Turing: The Codebreaker Who Changed the World**

This June, I’m celebrating a truly remarkable mind — Alan Turing, a mathematician whose work not only helped shorten World War II but also laid the foundation for the computers and AI we use today.

Alan Turing, often hailed as the father of modern computing, made groundbreaking contributions that have shaped the world as we know it. During World War II, Turing led the team that cracked the Enigma code, a feat that significantly aided the Allies in deciphering encrypted German messages and ultimately contributed to their victory.

I chose Alan Turing as the Mathematician of the Month because his life and legacy show us that Mathematics isn’t just about numbers — it’s about solving impossible problems, thinking differently, and having the courage to question what others accept.

Turing’s ability to blend logic, creativity, and perseverance is something I hope every student can be inspired by. Whether you’re struggling with algebra or curious about how computers think, his story reminds us that every challenge holds a pattern — and every pattern has a key.

Are you smarter than a 15-year-old?

Try some of these questions your children are asked to answer during the 11+ and GCSE exams:

Some cool tips for mum and dad:

**Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Confidence in Maths**

Whether your child loves maths or finds it a struggle, here are some small but powerful ways you can make a big difference at home:

**1. Talk Positively About Maths**

Even if maths wasn’t your favourite subject, avoid saying things like “I was never good at maths”. Instead try, “Let’s figure it out together” — it boosts their belief that effort leads to success.

**2. Use Everyday Moments**

Ask them to help with prices while shopping

Cook using fractions and measurements

Talk about time, shapes, or patterns in daily life

Maths is all around us — show them where it hides!

**3. Praise the Process, Not Just the Answer**

Celebrate effort, persistence, and strategy.

Try:

“I love how you stuck with that problem even when it was tricky!”

**4. Play Maths Games Together**

Games like Sudoku, chess, countdown-style challenges, or logic puzzles are brilliant brain workouts — and they’re fun!

**5. Don’t Panic If You Don’t Know the Answer**

You don’t need to have all the answers — just be curious alongside them.

Ask:

“What do you think we should try first?”

“Can you explain how you got that?”

Want More?

If you enjoyed the puzzles, make sure to check back next month for a brand-new challenge!

All answers to puzzles and questions will be revealed in the next blog post, so keep those brains buzzing.

Want to get involved?

Feel free to email your answers or even your own favourite puzzles to: champ891@mac.com— I’d love to feature one of yours in a future post!

What else would you like to see in the monthly blog – reach out and let me know.

Thank you so much for stopping by and being part of the Maths with Andre community.

Until next time,

Andre