Write up

1. State problem in own words: Can you use all 1176 identical square pieces to construct a
stairlike structure?
2. Process: In the beginning of this problem. I had no Idea on how to start it. I asked Taylor
to help me learn the problem step by step. Aaron first showed me the pattern
(1+2+3+4+5+6) that helps me understand the formula (x+1)=1176 This equation equals
$1176 because that is what the problem is asking for. It was important to remember that
as the column increases it increases by 1 square/tile. Taylor then taught me how to solve
the problem using the formula (x+1) x/2=1176. Im glad I learned how to use this formula
because it made sense and wasn't time consuming.
3. Solution: The answer I got was x=48.4974 I rounded down to 48. I knew I was right
because I plugged 48 into the formula: (x+1) x/2=1176 & it became (48) (49)=2352
4. I did not consider it educationally worthwhile because this feels like busy work. I Didn't
think I can apply this problem to my life in any way. I learned how to build a stair
structure using a certain amount of tiles. I did not enjoy working on this problem. It was
hard in the beginning to learn but then became easy to understand. I would assign myself
25 points because I took extra time to learn and help others learn this problem.