Let's solve the problem step by step based on the image you've described.
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Task Overview:
The worksheet is about
triangle numbers. It shows a pattern of dots arranged in a triangle, where each row adds one more dot than the previous row.
We are to:
1. Continue drawing the pattern.
2. Write down the sequence of triangle numbers.
3. Highlight two adjacent triangle numbers (e.g., 1 and 3).
4. Add those two numbers and observe what kind of number the result is.
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Step 1: Understanding Triangle Numbers
Triangle numbers are formed by adding consecutive natural numbers:
- 1 = 1
- 3 = 1 + 2
- 6 = 1 + 2 + 3
- 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4
- 15 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5
- etc.
So the sequence is:
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, ...
Each number represents the total number of dots in a triangular arrangement.
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Step 2: Drawing the Pattern
You're shown a triangle with dots:
```
•
• •
• • •
• • • •
```
This corresponds to the 4th triangle number: 1+2+3+4 = 10.
To continue the pattern, add another row with 5 dots:
```
•
• •
• • •
• • • •
• • • • •
```
This gives the 5th triangle number: 1+2+3+4+5 = 15.
And so on.
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Step 3: Sequence of Triangle Numbers
Write down the sequence:
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, ...
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Step 4: Highlight Two Adjacent Triangle Numbers
Example: Highlight
1 and 3.
Now add them:
1 + 3 = 4
What kind of number is 4?
✔ 4 is a square number! (Because 2 × 2 = 4)
Try another pair:
3 + 6 = 9 → 9 is also a square number (3×3)
6 + 10 = 16 → 16 is a square number (4×4)
10 + 15 = 25 → 25 is a square number (5×5)
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✔ Key Observation:
> The
sum of two adjacent triangle numbers is always a
square number!
This is a known mathematical pattern.
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Why Does This Happen?
Let’s look at the formula for the *n-th* triangle number:
$$
T_n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}
$$
Then the next triangle number is:
$$
T_{n+1} = \frac{(n+1)(n+2)}{2}
$$
Add them:
$$
T_n + T_{n+1} = \frac{n(n+1)}{2} + \frac{(n+1)(n+2)}{2}
= \frac{(n+1)}{2} [n + (n+2)] = \frac{(n+1)}{2} (2n+2)
= \frac{(n+1)}{2} \cdot 2(n+1) = (n+1)^2
$$
So the sum is $(n+1)^2$, which is a
perfect square!
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✔ Final Answer:
-
Sequence: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, ...
-
Highlighted numbers: e.g., 1 and 3
-
Sum: 1 + 3 = 4
-
What kind of number? A
square number (since $2^2 = 4$)
👉
Conclusion: The sum of any two adjacent triangle numbers is always a
square number.
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Let me know if you'd like help continuing the drawing or writing more examples!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of triangular numbers worksheet.