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MATCHSTICKS BUILD HEXAGONS
A Mathematical Investigation
Prepared by:
Eduard Joseph Monta
Mildred Muzones
Hanna Jill Nacion
(Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics 3-D)
Submitted to:
Mrs. Jenny N. Sedano
(Instructor Math 113-Problem Solving, Mathematical Investigation and Modeling)
December 2021
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MATCHSTICKS BUILD HEXAGONS
Eduard Joseph Monta
Mildred Muzones
Hanna Jill Nacion
INTRODUCTION
Mathematics is a methodical application of matter. It makes our life orderly and prevents
chaos. It is important to develop problem solving activities to build new mathematical knowledge,
applying knowledge, adapting a variety of appropriate problem solving strategies to daily life.
This investigation aims to determine the number of triangles and matchsticks in a hexagon
when another hexagon is added. It will also be interesting to discover formulas for calculating the
number of triangles inside the hexagon and the number of matchsticks used to form it.
Situation
Suppose we have matchsticks and form it into a hexagon. Then connect each opposite vertices
with a matchstick to form six equilateral triangles inside of it.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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Figure 3
Figure 4
Investigate
The hexagon is defined as a polygon with six sides. In this investigation, the sides of the
polygon and the equilateral triangles inside of it are formed by the matchsticks.
As seen in the illustrations, every term, the number of triangles and matchsticks used in each
illustration increases. In figure one, in a one hexagon, there were six triangles inside of it and
twelve matchsticks were used to complete the situation. On the second figure, in two hexagons,
there were 12 triangles and we added another 11 matchsticks to form two connected hexagons.
The same procedure will follow on the third and so on.
It can be seen that the number of triangles inside the hexagon is added by six as we put
another hexagon. On the other hand, 12 matchsticks were used to form a hexagon and connect
its opposite vertices to form six triangles inside of it. Then, 11 matchsticks were added as we put
another hexagon and connect its opposite vertices to form six triangles inside of it.
The number of triangles inside the hexagon and the number of matchsticks used is shown
in the table below.
Number of Number of Number of
Process
Hexagons triangles matchsticks
1 6 12
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2 12 23
3 18 34
4 24 45
⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮
The sequences for this situation were as follows:
A. Triangles – 6, 12, 18, 24, …
B. Matchsticks – 12, 23, 34, 45, …
Also, the sums of these terms are as follows:
A. Sum of the terms of the triangles:
𝑆1 = 6
𝑆2 = 6 + 12 = 18
𝑆3 = 6 + 12 + 18 = 36
𝑆4 = 6 + 12 + 18 + 24 = 60
B. Sum of the terms of the matchsticks:
𝑆1 = 12
𝑆2 = 12 + 23 = 35
𝑆3 = 12 + 23 + 34 = 69
𝑆4 = 12 + 23 + 34 + 45 = 114
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This mathematical investigation aims to determine the rule in finding the terms and the sum
of the terms of the triangles inside the hexagon and the matchsticks used to form a hexagon with
six triangles inside of it.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the rule in finding the nth term of the triangles inside a hexagon and the
matchsticks used to form it?
2. What is the rule in finding the sum of the nth term of the triangles inside a hexagon and
the matchsticks used to form it?
DATA GATHERING AND CONJECTURES
Conjecture 1
Looking for patterns on the nth term in the table below,
𝑛𝑡ℎ term 𝑛𝑡ℎ term
Number of
Process (number of (number of
Hexagons
triangles) matchsticks)
1 6 6(1) 12 11(1)+1
2 12 6(2) 23 11(2)+1
3 18 6(3) 34 11(3)+1
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4 24 6(4) 45 11(4)+1
⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮
𝑛 𝑛 6𝑛 𝑛 11𝑛 + 1
In every hexagon, the six triangles inside the hexagon is multiplied by the number of
hexagons being added and 11 matchsticks were added to form another hexagon with six triangles
inside of it.
Based on the pattern, the nth term of the triangles inside the hexagon can be obtained
using
𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛, where n is a natural number
and the nth term of the matchsticks can be obtained using
𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1, where n is a natural number.
Conjecture 2
Looking for patterns on the sum of the nth term in the table below,
Sum of the no. of Sum of the no. of
Number of
Process triangles matchsticks
Hexagons
(𝑆𝑛 ) (𝑆𝑛 )
1 6 12
2 18 35
3 36 69
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4 60 114
⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮
𝑛 𝑆𝑛 = ? 𝑆𝑛 = ?
To determine the rule for the sum of the nth term of the sequence, look on the patterns on
the sum on the nth term.
A. For the sum of number of triangles inside the hexagon
For 𝑛 = 1
𝑆1 = 6𝑛
𝑆1 = 6(1)
𝑆1 = 6
For 𝑛 = 2
𝑆2 = 𝑆1 + 12
𝑆2 = 6(1) + 6(2)
𝑆2 = 6 (1 + 2)
𝑆2 = 18
For 𝑛 = 3
𝑆3 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2 + 18
𝑆3 = 6 (1) + 6(2) + 6(3)
𝑆3 = 6 (1 + 2 + 3)
𝑆3 = 36
For 𝑛 = 4
𝑆4 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2 + 𝑆3 + 24
𝑆4 = 6 (1) + 6(2) + 6(3) + 6(4)
𝑆4 = 6 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4)
𝑆4 = 60
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Looking on the pattern, for n, were n is a natural number
𝑆𝑛 = 6(1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ⋯ + 𝑛)
𝑛 (𝑛+1)
But, 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ⋯ + 𝑛 = 2
, thus simplifying the expression
𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)
𝑆𝑛 = 6( )
2
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛
Hence, the sum of the nth terms of the number of triangles inside the hexagon in the sequence
is given by the formula,
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 , where n is a natural number.
B. For the sum of the number of matchsticks
For 𝑛 = 1
𝑆1 = 11𝑛 + 1
𝑆1 = 11(1) + 1
𝑆1 = 12
For 𝑛 = 2
𝑆2 = 𝑆1 + 12
𝑆2 = [11(1) + 1] + [11(2) + 1]
𝑆2 = 11(1 + 2) + 2(1)
𝑆2 = 35
For 𝑛 = 3
𝑆3 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2 + 34
𝑆3 = [11(1) + 1] + [11(2) + 1] + [11(3) + 1]
𝑆3 = 11(1 + 2 + 3) + 3(1)
𝑆3 = 69
For 𝑛 = 4
𝑆4 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2 + 𝑆3 + 45
𝑆4 = [11(1) + 1] + [11(2) + 1] + [11(3) + 1] + [11(4) + 1]
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𝑆4 = 11(1 + 2 + 3 + 4) + 4(1)
𝑆4 = 114
Looking on the pattern, for n, were n is a natural number
𝑆𝑛 = 11(1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ⋯ + 𝑛) + 𝑛(1)
𝑛 (𝑛+1)
But, 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ⋯ + 𝑛 = , thus simplifying the expression
2
𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)
𝑆𝑛 = 11 +𝑛
2
11 𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)
𝑆𝑛 = +𝑛
2
11𝑛 2 + 11𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = +𝑛
2
11𝑛 2 + 11𝑛 + 2𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
2
11𝑛 2 + 13𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
2
Hence, the sum of the nth terms of the number of matchsticks in the sequence is given by the
formula,
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = , where n is a natural number.
2
VERIFYING CONJECTURES
Conjecture 1
To verify for the conjecture 1 with the formula for the nth term of the triangle inside the
hexagon 𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛, where n is a natural number and the formula for the nth term of the
matchsticks 𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1, where n is a natural number, assign any arbitrary natural number.
For 𝑛 = 7
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A. The sequence of the triangles inside the hexagon is
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42
Using the formula, we can obtain
𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛
𝑇7 = 6(7)
𝑇7 = 42
B. The sequence of the matchsticks is
12, 23, 34, 45, 56, 67, 78
Using the formula, we can obtain
𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1
𝑀7 = 11(7) + 1
𝑀7 = 77 + 1
𝑀7 = 78
For 𝑛 = 10
A. The sequence of the triangles inside the hexagon is
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60
Using the formula, we can obtain
𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛
𝑇10 = 6(10)
𝑇10 = 60
B. The sequence of the matchsticks is
12, 23, 34, 45, 56, 67, 78, 89, 100, 111
Using the formula, we can obtain
𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1
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𝑀10 = 11(10) + 1
𝑀10 = 110 + 1
𝑀10 = 111
Hence, the formula 𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1 for conjecture 1 was verified to be true for any
arbitrary natural number.
Conjecture 2
To verify for the conjecture 2 with the formula for the sum of the nth term of the triangle
inside the hexagon 𝑆𝑡 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 , where n is a natural number and the formula for the sum of
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
the nth term of the matchsticks 𝑆𝑚 = , where n is a natural number, assign any arbitrary
2
natural number.
For 𝑛 = 12
A. The sequence of the triangles inside the hexagon is
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72
Using ordinary addition,
𝑆12 = 6 + 12 + 18 + 24 + 30 + 36 + 42 + 48 + 54 + 60 + 66 + 72 = 468
If the formula will be use,
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛
𝑆12 = 3(12)2 + 3(12)
𝑆12 = 432 + 36
𝑆12 = 468
B. The sequence of the matchsticks is
12, 23, 34, 45, 56, 67, 78, 89, 100, 111, 122, 133
Using ordinary addition,
𝑆12 = 12 + 23 + 34 + 45 + 56 + 67 + 78 + 89 + 100 + 111 + 122 + 133 = 870
If the formula will be use,
11𝑛 2 + 13𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
2
11(12) 2 + 13(12)
𝑆12 =
2
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1740
𝑆12 =
2
𝑆12 = 870
For 𝑛 = 20
A. The sequence of the triangles inside the hexagon is
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108, 114, 120
Using ordinary addition,
𝑆12 = 6 + 12 + 18 + 24 + 30 + 36 + 42 + 48 + 54 + 60 + 66 + 72 + 78 + 84 + 90 + 96
+ 102 + 108 + 114 + 120 = 1260
If the formula will be use,
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛
𝑆20 = 3(20)2 + 3(20)
𝑆20 = 1200 + 60
𝑆20 = 1260
B. The sequence of the matchsticks is
12, 23, 34, 45, 56, 67, 78, 89, 100, 111, 122, 133, 144, 155, 166, 177, 188, 199, 210, 221
Using ordinary addition,
𝑆20 = 12 + 23 + 34 + 45 + 56 + 67 + 78 + 89 + 100 + 111 + 122 + 133 + 144 + 155 + 166
+ 177 + 188 + 199 + 210 + 221 = 2330
If the formula will be use,
11𝑛 2 + 13𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
2
11(20) 2 + 13(20)
𝑆12 =
2
4660
𝑆12 =
2
𝑆12 = 2330
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
Hence, the formula 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 and 𝑆𝑛 = 2
for conjecture 2 was verified to be true
for any arbitrary natural number.
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JUSTIFYING CONJECTURES
Conjecture 1
The formula 𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛, where n is a natural number is a formula that can be used to determine
the nth terms in the sequence of triangles and the formula 𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1, where n is a natural
number is a formula that can be used to determine the nth terms in the sequence of matchsticks
which must be justified. It is indeed necessary to show that for all natural numbers, the formula
𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛 and 𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1 must be true.
In the sequence of triangles, its nth terms started from six because the first hexagon contains
six triangles. When a new hexagon was added to the sequence, the number of triangles inside
the hexagon was added by six. The same process is perceived as we add another hexagon to the
sequence. As observed in the situation, the nth term of the sequence of triangles inside the
hexagon can be obtained by multiplying the number of hexagons present to the number six. That
is why the formula 𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛 is true for any number of hexagons.
In the sequence of matchsticks, its nth terms started from twelve because twelve matchsticks
were used to form a hexagon and connect its opposite vertices to form six triangles inside of it.
When a new hexagon was added to the sequence, the number of matchsticks used was added
by eleven pieces. The same process is perceived as we add another hexagon to the sequence. It
was also noticed that during the initial and succeeding hexagons, if we subtract 11𝑛 where n is
a natural number, to the number of matchsticks used in every hexagons, there is a common
difference of 1. That is why the formula 𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1 is true for any number of hexagons.
Conjecture 2
Prove that the sum of the nth terms in the sequence of triangles can be obtained using the
formula 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 and the sum of the nth terms in the sequence of matchsticks can be
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
obtained using the formula 𝑆𝑛 = 2
.
In addition, we need to show that these formulas are true for all natural numbers. Thus, this
conjecture will be proven by mathematical induction.
A. Verify
If 𝑛 = 1
Triangle Matchstick
? 2
6 = 3(1)2 + 3(1) ? 11(1) + 13(1)
?
12 =
6 =3+3 2
? 11 + 13
√ 12 =
6=6 2
? 24
12 =
2
√
12 = 12
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If 𝑛 = 2
Triangle Matchstick
? 2
18 = 3(2)2 + 3(2) ? 11(2) + 13(2)
?
35 =
18 = 12 + 6 2
? 44 + 26
√ 35 =
18 = 18 2
? 70
35 =
2
√
35 = 35
B. Assumption
Assume 𝑃(𝑛) is true for 𝑛 = 𝑘
Triangle Matchstick
6 + 12 + 18 + ⋯ + (6𝑛) = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 11𝑛2 + 13𝑛
6 + 12 + 18 + ⋯ + (6𝑘) = 3𝑘 2 + 3𝑘 12 + 23 + 34 + ⋯ + (11𝑛 + 1) =
2
11𝑘2 + 13𝑘
12 + 23 + 34 + ⋯ + (11𝑘 + 1) =
2
C. Prove 𝑃(𝑛) is true for 𝑛 = 𝑘 + 1
Triangle
?
6 + 12 + 18 + ⋯ + (6𝑘) + [6(𝑘 + 1)] = 3(𝑘 + 1)2 + 3(𝑘 + 1)
?
3𝑘2 + 3𝑘 + [6(𝑘 + 1)] = 3(𝑘 + 1)2 + 3(𝑘 + 1)
?
3𝑘 2 + 3𝑘 + 6𝑘 + 6 = 3(𝑘2 + 2𝑘 + 1) + 3𝑘 + 3
?
3𝑘2 + 9𝑘 + 6 = 3𝑘 2 + 6𝑘 + 3 + 3𝑘 + 3
√
3𝑘2 + 9𝑘 + 6 = 3𝑘 2 + 9𝑘 + 6
Matchstick
? 11(𝑘 + 1)2 + 13(𝑘 + 1)
12 + 23 + 34 + ⋯ + (11𝑘 + 1) + [11(𝑘 + 1) + 1] =
2
11𝑘2 + 13𝑘 2
? 11(𝑘 + 1) + 13(𝑘 + 1)
+ [11(𝑘 + 1) + 1] =
2 2
11𝑘2 + 13𝑘 2
? 11(𝑘 + 2𝑘 + 1) + 13𝑘 + 13
+ 11𝑘 + 11 + 1 =
2 2
11𝑘2 + 13𝑘 + 22𝑘 + 22 + 2 ? 11𝑘2 + 22𝑘 + 11 + 13𝑘 + 13
=
2 2
11𝑘2 + 35𝑘 + 24 √ 11𝑘2 + 35𝑘 + 24
=
2 2
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D. Conclusion
Since the proposition is true for 𝑛 = 1,2, and 𝑛 = 𝑘 and it was true for 𝑛 = 𝑘 + 1, then it is
true for all values of n which is a natural number.
Hence, prove that the sum of the nth terms of the triangles inside the hexagon can be
obtained using the formula 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 and the sum of the nth terms of the matchsticks can
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
be obtained using the formula 𝑆𝑛 = .
2
SUMMARY
This mathematical investigation aimed to determine the rule in finding the terms and the
sum of the terms of the triangles inside the hexagon and the matchsticks used to form a
hexagon with six triangles inside of it.
In the manner of the investigation, it was found out and proven that the rule in finding the
nth terms of the number of triangles in the sequence will be,
𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛, where n is a natural number.
It was also found out and proven that the rule in finding the nth terms of the number of
matchsticks in the sequence will be,
𝑀𝑛 = 11𝑛 + 1, where n is a natural number.
Moreover, the sum of the nth terms of the number of triangles in the sequence was verified
and proven to be,
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛, where n is a natural number.
It was also found out and verified that the rule in finding the sum of the matchsticks in the
sequence will be,
11𝑛 2 +13𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = , where n is a natural number.
2
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POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS
After the conduct of the investigation, the following extension of this investigation is
recommended.
1. Investigate the number of triangles and number of matchsticks when the polygon is
heptagon.
a. What is the rule in finding the nth term of the triangles inside a heptagon and the
matchsticks used to form it?
b. What is the rule in finding the sum of the nth terms of the triangles inside a heptagon
and the matchsticks used to form it?
2. Investigate the number of triangles and number of matchsticks when the polygon is
octagon.
a. What is the rule in finding the nth term of the triangles inside an octagon and the
matchsticks used to form it?
b. What is the rule in finding the sum of the nth terms of the triangles inside an octagon
and the matchsticks used to form it?
3. Investigate the number of triangles and number of matchsticks when the polygon is
nonagon.
a. What is the rule in finding the nth term of the triangles inside a nonagon and the
matchsticks used to form it?
b. What is the rule in finding the sum of the nth terms of the triangles inside a nonagon
and the matchsticks used to form it?
