SOLUTION: i have this question that shows a diagram of matches...and then a heap of questions..i have done some of the questions but the one i am about to explain to you is really tricky...i

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: i have this question that shows a diagram of matches...and then a heap of questions..i have done some of the questions but the one i am about to explain to you is really tricky...i      Log On


   

Question 6282: i have this question that shows a diagram of matches...and then a heap of questions..i have done some of the questions but the one i am about to explain to you is really tricky...it says write two rules that tell you how many matches are need for each number of letters..but then it says hint: one rule starts with multipication and the other starts with addition..can you please tell me what rules start with multipication and addition...thank you
Answer by xcentaur(357) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1 box:
 _
| |
| |
 -



2 boxes:
 _ _
| | |
| | |
 - -



3 boxes:
 _ _ _
| | | |
| | | |
 - - -


Now from the above diagrams,it is clear that for one box,we need 6 matches.
Fundamentally no matter how the boxes are structured,after the first box,we only need 4 matches to complete another one.


So we see:
1 box=6
2 boxes=6+4(1)
3 boxes=6+4+4=6+4(2)
and so on...


Generalising this we can say,
Number of matches required=6+4(Total number of boxes-1)


m=6+4(x-1)

Where:
m=number of matches
x=total number of boxes formed


I do not understand your bit about two rules,one starting with multiplication one with addition.The rule I seem to find above includes both.

If this is not the case,or if you need any other help,or if you have any other questions,feel free to mail me:
xcentaur-AT-hotmail-DOT-com


Hope this helps,
good luck.