An investigation that brings together powers of $2$, linear functions, binary code, and an ancient survival story!

It is recommended that learners undertake this activity after having studied binary code in computer science. The binary code aspect is not difficult, but they will need to be familar with binary code.

Powers of $2$, binary code and simple linear sequences such as $2 n + 1$.

1. Review the attached teacher sheet to identify where pupils may encounter difficulty.

2. To set the scene you could get 5 or six members from your class to stand in a line whilst you go through the routine to leave one survivor, or you could play the introductory video (up to approximately 2 minutes, 30 seconds).

3. For questions 4 and 5 pupils need to link the remainder from the table to the number of the surviving soldier - you may want to emphasise this.

4. Question 7 is quite challenging so you may want pupils to move onto the binary section.