The figure shows a pattern formed using some matchsticks.
- How many matchsticks are used to form 30 squares?
- How many squares can be formed using 262 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 30 squares
= 30 x 3 + 1
= 91
(b)
Number of squares x 3 + 1 = 262
Number of squares x 3 = 262 - 1
Number of squares = 261 ÷ 3
Number of squares = 87
Answer(s): (a) 91; (b) 87