Math Problem Statement

solve

By looking at successive shading (red and blue combined), determine whether the successive shading represents a geometric sequence, an arithmetic sequence, or neither. Justify this mathematically.

Solution

Let's break down and solve the problem step by step.

a) Identifying the Sequence Type (Geometric, Arithmetic, or Neither)

We are asked to determine whether the successive shading (red and blue combined) represents a geometric sequence, an arithmetic sequence, or neither.

Observation:

  1. The largest triangle (the original) has an area of 11.
  2. As we look at smaller triangles (blue and red combined), we notice that each smaller triangle is a fraction of the previous one.

The largest shaded triangle (first iteration) covers a portion of the original, the second iteration covers a smaller portion, and so on. If the ratio of areas between successive triangles is constant, it will indicate a geometric sequence. If the difference between areas is constant, it will suggest an arithmetic sequence.

Let's calculate:

  • First triangle (red and blue combined) covers a portion of the original triangle.
  • The second triangle (red and blue combined) is formed inside the first triangle.
  • Each smaller triangle seems to reduce in area by a constant factor.

By visual inspection, it appears that the shading follows a geometric sequence, because the areas reduce by a fixed fraction in each step.

b) Finding the nth Term and the 11th Term

Based on part a), since the areas are in geometric progression, we can express the nth term of the sequence as:

An=A1r(n1)A_n = A_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}

Where:

  • A1A_1 is the area of the first shaded triangle.
  • rr is the common ratio.

Let’s assume from the diagram that the common ratio rr is 14\frac{1}{4} (as each triangle seems to be a smaller equilateral triangle formed within the larger triangle). Now, let's calculate the 11th term:

A11=A1(14)10A_{11} = A_1 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{10}

Substitute A1=1A_1 = 1 (assuming the largest triangle is completely shaded):

A11=1(14)10=(14)10A_{11} = 1 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{10} = \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{10}

This can be computed to three significant figures.

c) Percentage of the Original Triangle Shaded Indefinitely

When the process of shading is continued indefinitely, the total shaded area will approach the sum of an infinite geometric series. The formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series is:

S=A11rS = \frac{A_1}{1 - r}

Substitute A1=1A_1 = 1 and r=14r = \frac{1}{4}:

S=1114=134=43S = \frac{1}{1 - \frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{4}{3}

This gives the total area that will eventually be shaded.

d) Scientific Notation for c

We need to express the percentage of the original triangle that is shaded indefinitely in scientific notation.

The total percentage will be given as:

(43×100%)=result in scientific notation\left( \frac{4}{3} \times 100\% \right) = \text{result in scientific notation}

e) Percentage of the Original Triangle Shaded Indefinitely for Red and Blue

Since red and blue areas are combined in each step, we calculate the percentage for both colors in a similar way.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Arithmetic Sequences
Area Calculations

Formulas

A_n = A_1 * r^(n-1)
Sum of infinite geometric series: S = A_1 / (1 - r)

Theorems

Geometric series theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12