IMC Key Stage 2 · 14. Extremal problems: largest and smallest
Every largest/smallest answer needs a bound and an example; averaging, worst cases, place value, different sizes and conflict groups give the bounds.
IMC Key Stage 2 (EMIC) – Selected topics
Explain why an extremal answer needs both a bound and an example.
Use averaging for a fixed sum or product and round the bound correctly.
Solve “guarantee” questions with the worst case plus one.
Arrange digits or sizes using place value, balance and the smallest possible different numbers.
Find conflict groups in grid and colouring problems and build a matching example.