Type the first four terms of an arithmetic sequence to make the blocks.
Drag the blocks (or tap a block, then tap where it goes) to build a rectangle.
Record the rectangle’s length, width and area in the table.
Look for a rule for the sum, then test it with an odd number of terms.
Students type the first terms of an arithmetic sequence and each term becomes a block of unit squares. They fit the blocks together into a rectangle without breaking any, record its length, width and area, and use their results to build a rule for the sum. Then they test their rule with an odd number of terms.
Who it’s for
MYP years 4–5 (ages 14–16), especially extended mathematics. Also a visual way into sequences and series at the start of the DP.
Branch of mathematics: numerical and abstract reasoning. Topics: sequences and series, arithmetic sequences, arithmetic series, patterns.
