The Divisible V

Strategies and Hints

  1. The V can be divided into 3 squares. This might help in the solution as follows: If you think of each square as being 3 units on a side, the total number of units is 27. You will need to use nine 3-unit Vs to cover the region.

  2. A capital L.

  1. Answers will vary. In the United States, most people are used to seeing right angles with the rays horizontal and vertical. When right angles are tipped at 45°, they don't look as "square."

Solution

Figures of this type are sometimes called rep-tiles because they can be used to replicate themselves. Challenge students to prove that any triangle is a rep-tile.