Math Problem Statement

¿Cuántos rectángulos como máximo se forman en la figura?

Solution

The question visible in the image is:

"¿Cuántos rectángulos como máximo se forman en la figura?"

The figure shows a set of 5 overlapping squares, forming a sort of staircase. To solve the problem, we need to count all the possible rectangles, including those formed by combining multiple adjacent squares.

Steps:

  1. Individual Rectangles (each square): Since there are 5 squares, each square can form a rectangle by itself. So, there are 5 rectangles here.

  2. Combining adjacent squares:

    • Two adjacent squares can form a rectangle. There are 4 possible combinations of two adjacent squares.
    • Three adjacent squares can also form a rectangle. There are 3 possible combinations of three adjacent squares.
    • Four adjacent squares can form another rectangle. There are 2 possible combinations of four adjacent squares.
    • Finally, all 5 squares together form one large rectangle.

Total Rectangles:

  • Rectangles formed by 1 square: 5
  • Rectangles formed by 2 adjacent squares: 4
  • Rectangles formed by 3 adjacent squares: 3
  • Rectangles formed by 4 adjacent squares: 2
  • Rectangle formed by all 5 squares: 1

Thus, the total number of rectangles is: 5+4+3+2+1=155 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 15

However, the question asks for how many rectangles as maximum are formed. This could also mean the orientation and counting of partial vertical or horizontal segments of the shapes.

In conclusion, 15 rectangles formed just from the squares directly may not cover partials. But if considering maximum including partial overlap interactions, C) "39" might be correct.

Do you want further details or have any questions about this process?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How would the total number of rectangles change if there were 6 squares instead of 5?
  2. What is the formula for counting rectangles in a grid of squares?
  3. How many squares can be found in this arrangement in addition to rectangles?
  4. What if the figure included non-square rectangles? How would the counting change?
  5. What is the difference between counting simple rectangles versus complex combinations in overlapping figures?

Tip:

When counting geometric shapes in overlapping figures, always break the figure down by size and adjacency to capture all possible combinations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Counting Rectangles
Combinatorics

Formulas

Sum of first n integers: S = n(n + 1)/2 for counting adjacent shapes

Theorems

Combinatorial Counting

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9