The figure shows a pattern formed using some matchsticks.
- How many matchsticks are used to form 72 squares?
- How many squares can be formed using 466 matchsticks?
(a)
Pattern for the number of matchsticks
1 square: 1 x 3 + 1 = 4
2 squares: 2 x 3 + 1 = 7
3 squares: 3 x 3 + 1 = 10
Formula
Number of matchsticks = Number of squares x 3 + 1
Number of matchsticks for 72 squares
= 72 x 3 + 1
= 217
(b)
Number of squares x 3 + 1 = 466
Number of squares x 3 = 466 - 1
Number of squares = 465 ÷ 3
Number of squares = 155
Answer(s): (a) 217; (b) 155