Mr.P’s Parent Maths Problem of the Week

Hello parents.

I’m relaunching my popular ‘Parent Maths Problem of the Week’ segment this term. Each week’s problem offers an accessible but thought-provoking mathematical challenge, designed to be enjoyable and engaging without requiring specialist knowledge. There is no expectation to use formal methods or reach a single ‘correct’ approach. My intention is simply that you take a moment or two to think, explore, and enjoy mathematics. I hope to provide a brief but rewarding opportunity for you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with mathematical thinking as part of your week.

Solutions will be published in the following week’s edition of the Barrow Hills Bulletin.

Problem 1: 7 January 2026
Look at the matchstick pattern below:

Question: How many matchsticks are in pattern 25?