The figure shows a pattern formed using some sticks.
- How many sticks are needed to form 20 triangles?
- How many triangles are formed using 179 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)
20 triangles: 1 + 2 x 20 = 41 sticks
(b)
1 + (2 x Number of triangles) = 179
2 x Number of triangles = 179 - 1
2 x Number of triangles = 178
Number of triangles = 178 ÷ 2 = 89
Answer(s): (a) 41; (b) 89