Math Problem Statement

The start of a sequence of patterns made from triangles is shown below. The same number of triangles is added each time. What number should go in the box to complete the rule for the number of triangles in the nth pattern?

Solution

Let’s analyze the problem:

The pattern shows a sequence of triangles that increases consistently as the pattern number increases. Here is the information provided:

  • Pattern number n=1n = 1: 1 triangle.
  • Pattern number n=2n = 2: 3 triangles.
  • Pattern number n=3n = 3: 6 triangles.

Step 1: Find the rule

From the sequence of triangles:

  1. For n=1n = 1, the total number of triangles is 11.
  2. For n=2n = 2, the total number of triangles is 33.
  3. For n=3n = 3, the total number of triangles is 66.

This indicates the number of triangles forms the triangular number sequence. The rule for triangular numbers is:

\text{Triangles in nth pattern} = \frac{n \cdot (n+1)}{2}.

Step 2: Simplify the given rule

To match the form shown in the box, the coefficient of nn (the value in the box) is the slope of the sequence:

Each time nn increases, the number of triangles increases by nn. The rule becomes:

n+12n.\boxed{\frac{n+1}{2}}n.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Triangular Numbers

Formulas

Triangles in nth pattern = (n * (n + 1)) / 2

Theorems

Triangular Number Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 5-8