Simon used 45 straws to make a total of 12 squares and triangles. An square is made by 4 straws and a triangle is made by 3 straws. How many of each type of shapes did he make?
- Number of squares
- Number of triangles
(a)
Assuming all are triangles,
Number of straws needed for the triangles
= 3 x 12
= 36
Number of extra straws left
= 45 - 36
= 9
Difference in the number of straws between 1 square and 1 triangle
= 4 - 3
= 1
Number of squares
= 9 ÷ 1
= 9
(b)
Number of triangles
= 12 - 9
= 3
Answer(s): (a) 9; (b) 3