Online Course Discussion Forum

Math Challenge I-B Winter 2021-22, question

 
 
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Math Challenge I-B Winter 2021-22, question
by James Shi - Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 5:07 PM
 

For problem 7.21, I don't get what the problem means

 
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Re: Math Challenge I-B Winter 2021-22, question
by John Lensmire - Thursday, February 3, 2022, 9:49 AM
 

Basically, the problem is asking how many diagonals does a (i) equilateral triangle, (ii) square, (iii) regular pentagon, and (iv) regular hexagon have?

Remember that a diagonal connects two vertices of a shape (but is not a side of the shape). As a simple example, a square has 2 diagonals connecting "opposite" sides. Hope this helps!

Note: It isn't important for answering 7.21, but there is a fairly nice pattern that this sequence would have in general. That is, if you let $a_n = $ the number of diagonals in a shape with $n$-sides, there are some nice patterns and formulas that show up.