Problem of the Week

Leslie Aguilar Ramos 2017

P.O.W #2 - An N-by-N Window

Maths Write-Up
January 31, 2o17 - February 7, 2017

Problem Statement: (Restate the problem using words, pictures, and/or a diagram)

This problem is asking us to develop a formula that we would

allow us to find the length of a wood strip to build a square
window.

Process Description:
There are many ways that we can approach this problem. I had a very hard time understanding
and approaching this problem. The first thing I decided to do was to create a in-out table. I
decided to do this after a table group member explained to me. I found confusing and was
unable to understand it, yet I decided to go along with it. I asked for help from a friend who was
able to explain it a little more. At this point I understood it a little bit better but not entirely.
lines in total
Squares Total of Line
(x) (y)

(11) 1 4

(22) 4 12

(33) 9 24

(44) 1 6 40

(55) 25 60

(66) 3
6 84

(77) 49 112
Problem of the Week
Leslie Aguilar Ramos 2017

I decided to go to office hours where I got help from my teacher to fully understand. She was
able to show me different approaches to this problem that could help me solve it. One of the
approaches that she was able to show me is the one below . When I create or see a diagram it
helps me visualize what I need to solve. For example, the diagram above is showing how many
squares are being added each time. The squares in gray are showing the previous square. This is
to help see what squares were added. A pattern that I was able to find was 4 1= 4 and 4 2 =
8 which if see square two, 8 lines were added. If we continue using this pattern it will help us
find any number, yet it will take a long time.
Problem of the Week
Leslie Aguilar Ramos 2017

This in-out table is interpreting the squares and how they are growing.

Extensions: Invent some extensions or variations to the problem; that is, write down some
related problems.They can be easier, harder, or about the same level of difficulty as the
original problem. (You don't have to solve these additional problems.)

Is it possible to do the same with rectangles? It may be harder because not all sides are equal
which will make it difficult.

Solution: (The end result, wrong or right, it doesnt matter! Include one or many solutions as
long as they make sense to you!)
I found the formula by asking a
classmate to further explain how I
would be able to find the formula.
She was able to explain to me that
since we are always adding we could
an equation. She was able to help me
create it but then she told me that it
wouldnt work for the formula we are
looking but only consecutive
numbers. We found the equation to
help us find the formula we needed.
Problem of the Week
Leslie Aguilar Ramos 2017

Self-Assessment: Reflect on two Habits of a Mathematician you used when solving this
problem

Look For Patterns:

This habit of a mathematician was very helpful when trying to understand this problem. This is
because in order to solve the problem I need to find a pattern to guide me. Its problems like
these that I need to find a pattern because even if I try just to look at the in-out table I will still
need to find a pattern.
Stay Organized:
This habit of mathematician was very helpful because in order for me to understand a problem I
need to organize my thoughts and diagrams.