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INVESTIGATION - Communicating Patterns With Algebra

The document discusses using algebra to represent patterns involving matchsticks arranged in triangles and squares. Students are asked to describe relationships between the number of shapes and number of matchsticks used. They are also asked to use variables to represent patterns of their own design and form algebraic expressions to describe the relationships.

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makunjap
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491 views3 pages

INVESTIGATION - Communicating Patterns With Algebra

The document discusses using algebra to represent patterns involving matchsticks arranged in triangles and squares. Students are asked to describe relationships between the number of shapes and number of matchsticks used. They are also asked to use variables to represent patterns of their own design and form algebraic expressions to describe the relationships.

Uploaded by

makunjap
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Communicating Patterns with Algebra

Prediction How many matches would there be with 7 triangles? Check your answer by making the shape.

a) Describe in words, the relationship you see between the number of triangles (t) and the number of matchsticks (m) used in the pattern.

b) How many matchsticks would be used if there were 90 triangles? Show or explain how you determined your answer.

c) How many triangles would there be if 401 matchsticks were used? Show or explain how you determined your answer.

d) Could we use algebra to represent this pattern? If so, HOW?

Prediction How many matches would there be with 7 squares? Check your answer by making the shape.

a) Describe in words, the relationship you see between the number of squares (s) and the number of matchsticks (m) used in the pattern.

b) How many matchsticks would be used if there were 78 squares? Show or explain how you determined your answer.

c) How many squares would there be in the pattern if 162 matchsticks were used? Show or explain how you determined your answer.

d) Could we use algebra to represent this pattern? If so, HOW?

Extension Now try some patterns of your own. Make a sequence pattern with matchsticks, counters or cubes. Draw the first 4 terms in your pattern sequence.

Study your pattern carefully. Explain how your pattern grows.

Introduce variables to represent the number of __________and the number of ___________ Now record the data from the pattern in the table below, using the variables to represent what each row of the table shows

Prediction How many ____________ would there be in the 7th term of the sequence. Check your answer by making the shape.

a) Describe in words, the relationship you see between the independent variable and the dependent variable.

b)

Write two questions (like b, c) above where you can explore your pattern to make predictions. 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Get a friend to explore the solution to your questions.

c) Could we use algebra to represent this pattern? If so, HOW?

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