Why do this
problem?
This problem practises working systematically on addition
and subtraction. This is a code, not algebra, and learners will
need to try things out as well as working them out, so using
trial and improvement will be essential.
Key questions
Have you remembered that this is a code?
Have you thought of looking at the two number plates
beginning with V?
Have you thought of writing out the alphabet and thinking of
a way to turn the letters into numbers?
Can you think of a variation on the most obvious way of
turning letters into numbers?
Possible extension
Learners who found this problem easy could try
Ishango Bone.
Possible support
Suggest starting by writing out the numbers on the
number-plates and adding up each one. Then write out the
alphabet and think of a way of varying A = $1$, B = $2$
etc.