The figure shows a pattern formed using some matchsticks.
- How many matchsticks are used to form 88 squares?
- How many squares can be formed using 481 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 88 squares
= 88 x 3 + 1
= 265
(b)
Number of squares x 3 + 1 = 481
Number of squares x 3 = 481 - 1
Number of squares = 480 ÷ 3
Number of squares = 160
Answer(s): (a) 265; (b) 160