Borders Coursework
1) Investigate the different patterns of development
Order of squares going down
1 + 3 + 1 = 5
1 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 13
New additions. In each case 2 has been added.
1 + 3 +5 7 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 25
Like the previous pattern there are
Additions with 2 being added on.
For the next pattern I predict that the total number of squares will be 41, using the following pattern:
1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 41
I am now going to check to test my prediction.
Number of squares = 25 + 16 = 41
My prediction was correct. As well as finding a correct method of finding the next pattern I noticed that to find the number of dark squares on the next pattern you use the total number for the previous pattern.
Pattern Dark squares White squares
1 1 4 1 + 4 = 5
2 5 8 5 + 8 = 13
3 13 12 13 + 12 = 25
4 25 16 25 + 16 = 41
WHY?
This happens because you are simply adding on to this. This could be a useful fact in searching for a formula.
I am now going to investigate any differences between the totals.
First of all I will need to find some more totals, as the amount I have will not be conclusive. To find these without drawing any more diagrams I will use my knowledge of the structure (e.g. 1 + 3 + 1).
New orders
Pattern Previous total New additions New totals
5 41 11 + 9 = 20 61 (20 + 41 = 61)
6 61 13 + 11 =24 85 (61 + 24 =85)
7 85 15 + 13 = 28 113
8 113 17 + 15 =32 145
9 145 19 + 17 = 36 181
10 181 21 + 19 =40 221
(These are white squares)
Differences
Total 5 13 25 41 61 85 113 145 181 221
1st difference 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40
2nd difference 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
This shows a main difference of 4. I think this will influence the formula. I think this will mainly be in the form of a multiple of 4.
The first formula I will try to find is the formula for the surrounding white squares.