PSLE Valen uses toothpicks to form figures that follow a pattern. The first four figures are shown.
- The table shows the number of toothpicks used for each figure. Complete the table for Figure 8 and Figure 9. Give your answers in numbers. (Eg 1, 2)
- What is the difference in the number of toothpicks that Valen would use for Figure 15 and Figure 19?
- How many toothpicks would he use for Figure 45?
; (c) 190
(a)
Number of toothpicks used:
Figure 1: 15 = 11 + 4 x 1Figure 2: 18 = 10 + 4 x 2Figure 3: 23 = 11 + 4 x 3Figure 4: 26 = 10 + 4 x 4The formula for the total number of toothpicks used is different for odd-numbered patterns and even-numbered patterns.
Number of toothpicks for odd-numbered figure = 11 + 4 x Figure number
Number of toothpicks for even-numbered figure = 10 + 4 x Figure numberNumber of toothpicks used for Figure 8
= 10 + 4 x 8
= 10 + 32
= 42
Number of toothpicks used for Figure 9
= 11 + 4 x 9
= 11 + 36
= 47
(b)
Since every 2 jumps has the same increase,
difference in the number of toothpicks for Figure 15 and 19
= 2 x 8
= 16
(c)
Figure 45 is an odd number.
Number of toothpicks that Valen would use for Figure 45
= 11 + 4 x Figure number
= 11 + 4 x 45
= 11 + 180
= 191
Answer(s): (a) 42, 47; (b) 16; (c) 191