Many common mathematical relationships can be expressed as linear relationships.
For example, tax calculations or the relationship between speed, distance and time.
Studying them in Mathematics allows us to create and examine simple but effective models for relationships in the real world and make predictions and calculations.
| Syllabus | Explanation | ||||||||
| Stage 4 NESA NSW Syllabus: ACMNA193 | |||||||||
| Use objects to build a geometric pattern, record the results in a table of values, describe the pattern in words and algebraic symbols | This means that you can use paddle pop sticks, match sticks or other objects to create patterns then, record the information into this table:
Then, describe the pattern with words and algebraic symbols:
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| Check pattern descriptions by substituting further values | This means that you can sub \( x = 1, x = 2 \ and \ x = 3 \) to check if the pattern works. | ||||||||
| Replace written statements describing patterns with equations written in algebraic symbols | This means that you can change “the pattern is increasing by \( 2 \)” into “\( x + 2 = y \)“ | ||||||||
| Recognise a given number pattern (including decreasing patterns), complete a table of values, describe the pattern in words and algebraic symbols | This means that you can figure out what the pattern is and do all of the above. | ||||||||
| Use a rule generated from a pattern to calculate the corresponding value for a larger number | This means that you can substitute \(x = 4\) to find the next number in the sequence. |
Students should be familiar with simple arithmetic techniques, such as substitution and using brackets, and basic algebra.
Consider the following matchstick pattern:
For the first \( (1)\) shape, there are \(5\) matchsticks.
For the second \((2)\) shape, there are \(8\) matchsticks.
For the third \((3)\) shape, there are \(11\) matchsticks.
A pattern can be created that relates the shape number with the number of matchsticks used.
To do this, we can first draw a table of values:
| Shape number | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Number of matchstick | 5 | 8 | 11 |
Note: The difference between the first shape and the second shape is \(3\) matchsticks, and the difference between the second shape and the third shape is also \(3\) matchsticks.
Hence, we can write:
\begin{align*}
matchsticks \ = \ 3 \times \ shape \ number \ + \ constant
\end{align*}
In this case, when the shape number is \(1\), we have \(5\) matchsticks so the constant is \((5-3) = 2\).
This is an example of a linear relationship.
To be more concise, we can use an algebraic term instead of the number of matchsticks \((m)\) and another term for the shape number \((s)\):
\begin{align*}
m = 3s + 2
\end{align*}
To check this linear relationship, we can substitute \(s = 3 \) (the third shape):
\begin{align*}
m = 3 \times (3) + 2 = 11
\end{align*}
which matches the pattern we observed, confirming that the pattern works.
How many matches are in the \(12th \) shape?
If \( s = 12\), then:
\begin{align*}
m = 3 \times (12) + 2 = 28
\end{align*}
Thus, we can determine that the \(12th \) shape will have \(38 \) matchsticks.
Now imagine that you wanted to determine which shape number contains \(50\) matchsticks.
In this case, you would substitute \( m = 50 \):
\begin{align*}
50 &= 3s + 2 \\
48 &= 3s \\
s &= \frac{48}{3} = 16
\end{align*}
Hence, \(50 \) matchsticks would generate the \(16th \) shape.
In conclusion, by using the above methods, you can determine the number of matchsticks needed for any shape in the pattern and the number that corresponds to a certain number of matchsticks.
When encountering a geometric sequence, first try to derive a pattern relating the figures together.
Creating a table of values may aid you in this process.
You can then check or use your pattern for larger numbers by substituting into the generated pattern.
Learn about linear relationships and other Year 8 Maths topics before it’s taught in school! Learn more about our Year 8 Maths Course.
1) The number of blocks for a model depends on the number of levels:
a. Create a pattern relating the number of blocks \((b)\) with the number of levels \((l)\).
b. How many blocks are required to build a model with \(15\) levels?
c. If \(71\) blocks were used to create a model, how many levels would it have?
2) A sequence of shapes is constructed using circles.
a. Create a pattern relating the number of circles \((c)\) with the shape number \((s)\).
b. If I have \(30\) circles, what is the largest shape I can build?
c. How many circles does the \(50th\) shape have?
3) An armadillo grows scales each year in the following pattern:
a. Determine the pattern relating the number of scales \((s)\) with the age of the armadillo \((a)\).
b. A scientist noticed an armadillo with \(57\) scales. How old is it?
c. How many scales does an armadillo that is \(7\) years old have?
1)
a. \(b = 2l + 1\)
b. \(31 \ blocks\)
c. \(35 \ levels\)
2)
a. \(c = 3s – 2 \)
b. \(Shape \ 10 \)
c. \(148 \ circles \)
3)
a. \(s = 5a + 2\)
b. \(11 \ years \ old \)
c. \( 37 \)
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