Polygon Shapes Investigations

All the shapes must still be combinations of squares and triangles.

Investigation 1

Take 9 matches.

Here is a Polygon Shape built with 9 matches. It has 6 sides.

How many Polygon Shapes with different number of sides,

concave or convex, can you make from 9 matches?

Investigation 2

Now investigate how many different Polygon Shapes you

can build with 12 matches. Here is a polygon with 7 sides.

What is the smallest number of sides possible? What is the largest?

Investigation 3

If you use 8 matches it is possible to make only 3 different Polygon Shapes

Investigate how many different Polygon Shapes made from squares and

equilateral triangles you can make with 11 matches.

Investigation 4

Starting with any simple pattern as the core it is possible to make

patterns that grow like growing crystals. The rule used here is that

a square must be added outside a triangle and a triangle outside a square.

The remaining spaces are filled with triangles

What happens if you start with two triangles?

Create your own starting shape and make it grow. Use your own rule.

Notes on Investigation