CClever Corner
Grade 5 · Junior
✦ Think like a mathematician

Big ideas start with
one clever problem.

Fresh, original maths challenges that build the reasoning, curiosity and confidence needed for the Junior final round.

Choose a quick practice
15 questions90 minutes60 marks
YOUR PRACTICE, YOUR WAY

Build a fresh question set

Every set reshuffles a broad question bank with new numbers and different Junior-level problem types.

1

Choose a topic

Mixed is best for a balanced workout.

2

Choose a length

Start small, then build up.

◷ About 20 minutes · Hints and worked solutions included
THINKING TOOLS

Tips & tricks for clever problem-solving

Strong problem-solvers do not rush into calculations. They choose a method, keep their work organised and check whether the result makes sense.

↘ Open each card to see the method
01Work backwardsUndo the operations in reverse order.
EXAMPLE

A number is doubled and then 7 is added. The result is 31. What was the number?

THINK IT THROUGH
  1. Start at 31.
  2. Undo the +7: 31 − 7 = 24.
  3. Undo the doubling: 24 ÷ 2 = 12.
ANSWERThe starting number was 12.
02Make an organised listCount every case once—without missing or repeating any.
EXAMPLE

Four teams each play every other team once. How many games are played?

THINK IT THROUGH
  1. Team A has 3 games.
  2. Team B adds 2 new games; its game against A is already counted.
  3. Team C adds 1 new game. So 3 + 2 + 1 = 6.
ANSWERThere are 6 games.
03Draw only what mattersA quick sketch can stop you from counting something twice.
EXAMPLE

A 5-by-7 rectangle is made from square tiles. How many tiles touch the outside edge?

THINK IT THROUGH
  1. Top and bottom: 7 + 7 = 14 tiles.
  2. The two sides add 3 + 3 = 6 tiles because the corners are already counted.
  3. 14 + 6 = 20.
ANSWER20 tiles touch the edge.
04Look at the changesWhen the terms do not share one rule, compare the gaps.
EXAMPLE

What comes next: 2, 5, 9, 14, 20, …?

THINK IT THROUGH
  1. The jumps are +3, +4, +5 and +6.
  2. The jumps grow by 1 each time.
  3. The next jump is +7, so 20 + 7 = 27.
ANSWERThe next number is 27.
A simple routine for every problem

Read twice. Decide what matters. Show one clear method. Test the answer in the original problem.

1Pause2Plan3Try4Check
BUILT FOR THE FINAL ROUND

The real challenge.
A calmer place to practise it.

The Junior paper combines Grades 4 and 5. It rewards careful reading and inventive thinking—not long calculations.

Read the official challenge guide ↗
15

15 original problems

Every problem has five possible answers, labelled A to E.

90

90-minute mock

A gentle timer keeps the official pace visible.

3·4·5

Difficulty grows

Questions rise from 3 to 5 marks as the set progresses.

✓

Learn after every set

Clear solutions turn mistakes into useful clues.