Math Problem Statement

Camila uses bricks to make steps. She continues making steps in the same way. How many bricks will Camila use for the 8th step?

Solution

This problem involves identifying a pattern and calculating the number of bricks used in the 8th step.

Observing the Pattern

From the image:

  1. Step 1 uses 1 brick.
  2. Step 2 uses 1 + 2 = 3 bricks.
  3. Step 3 uses 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 bricks.
  4. This continues as the sum of the first nn integers: Sn=1+2+3++nS_n = 1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + n.

The formula for the sum of the first nn integers is: Sn=n(n+1)2S_n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}

Step 8 Calculation

Substitute n=8n = 8 into the formula: S8=8(8+1)2=8×92=36S_8 = \frac{8(8+1)}{2} = \frac{8 \times 9}{2} = 36

Thus, Camila will use 36 bricks for the 8th step.

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or details. Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How can the sum formula be derived for the first nn integers?
  2. What is the number of bricks in the 10th step?
  3. How many total bricks are used up to the 8th step?
  4. How would the formula change if Camila built steps with an additional fixed number of bricks per step?
  5. What is the computational complexity of calculating this pattern for very large steps?

Tip: When solving problems involving patterns, writing out the first few terms can often reveal a general formula!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Summation of Integers

Formulas

Sum of the first n integers: S_n = n(n+1)/2

Theorems

Summation Formula for Integers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8