The figure shows a pattern formed using some sticks.
- How many sticks are needed to form 17 triangles?
- How many triangles are formed using 161 sticks?
Pattern for the total number of triangles
1 triangle: 1 + (2 x 1) = 3 sticks
2 triangles: 1 + (2 x 2) = 5 sticks
3 triangles: 1 + (2 x 3) = 7 sticks
Formula
Number of sticks = 1 + (2 x Number of triangles)
(a)
17 triangles: 1 + 2 x 17 = 35 sticks
(b)
1 + (2 x Number of triangles) = 161
2 x Number of triangles = 161 - 1
2 x Number of triangles = 160
Number of triangles = 160 ÷ 2 = 80
Answer(s): (a) 35; (b) 80