Table of Contents
How many matchsticks is needed to have 4 squares?
| Number of squares | Number of matchsticks |
|---|---|
| 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 24 |
| 4 | 40 |
| 5 |
How many matchsticks do you need to form five squares?
Remove 9 matches so that no square (of any size) remains. 10 ions to get only loose ends. Move 6 matches so that 5 squares are formed.
How many toothpicks do you need to make 8 squares?
Ripeka can make 8 squares with 25 toothpicks. This could be left as a puzzle to see who can use the fewest toothpicks. Here the 9 squares use 24 toothpicks.
How many toothpicks are in the 4th figure?
Jane noticed the 4th figure has 4 rows of 4 horizontal toothpicks (pink), and 4 rows of 4 vertical toothpicks (green) or 2 (4)² toothpicks. Then she saw that there were 2 rows of 4 toothpicks remaining (grey), one making up the right side of the square and the other making up the bottom.
Can a table be used to count toothpicks?
A table can be used, all the squares can be made and the toothpicks counted. However, it is important that students see the relationship between the squares and the toothpicks, and that they are able to recognize similar situations in other patterns. Encourage them to make up their own matchstick pattern. Since 3# + 1 = 25, then # = 8. You may like this Why is a tennis game so loud?
Can you put two toothpicks next to each other?
You cannot break or otherwise modify a toothpick. You cannot put two toothpicks right next to each other and count that as one side. You must use exactly three moves as mentioned above. No less, no more. All three squares must be of the same size. Every toothpick must be part of a square.
Ripeka can make 8 squares with 25 toothpicks. This could be left as a puzzle to see who can use the fewest toothpicks. Here the 9 squares use 24 toothpicks.
You cannot break or otherwise modify a toothpick. You cannot put two toothpicks right next to each other and count that as one side. You must use exactly three moves as mentioned above. No less, no more. All three squares must be of the same size. Every toothpick must be part of a square.
Jane noticed the 4th figure has 4 rows of 4 horizontal toothpicks (pink), and 4 rows of 4 vertical toothpicks (green) or 2 (4)² toothpicks. Then she saw that there were 2 rows of 4 toothpicks remaining (grey), one making up the right side of the square and the other making up the bottom.
A table can be used, all the squares can be made and the toothpicks counted. However, it is important that students see the relationship between the squares and the toothpicks, and that they are able to recognize similar situations in other patterns. Encourage them to make up their own matchstick pattern. Since 3# + 1 = 25, then # = 8. You may like this Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate?