Polygonals

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level

Polygonal numbers are those that are arranged in shapes as they enlarge. Explore the polygonal numbers drawn here.

Thinking mathematically

Exploring and noticing Working systematically Conjecturing and generalising Visualising and representing Explaining, convincing and proving

Mathematical mindsets

Being curious Being collaborative Being resourceful Being resilient

Problem



 

Polygonal numbers are those that are arranged in shapes as they enlarge (starting with $1$). Here are examples of the $5$th polygonal numbers for the first $7$ shapes Triangle ($3$) through to Nonegon ($9$).

polygonals
If we were to just look at the hexagons we'd have a form of hexagonal numbers that grow  $1,6, 15, 28, 45$.
polygonals

There is another group that are called "Centred Polygonals"  that look like these; 

polygonals



 

and for example, the centred hexagon numbers go $1, 7, 19, 37, 61$.

polygonals



 

 Now it's over to you!

 

This investigation invites you to explore these sets of numbers and explore relationships within ordinary polygonal numbers and/or centred polygonal numbers.

You could also explore relationships between ordinary polygonal numbers and the centred polygonal numbers.

 

For example, you could explore which different polygonals (both centred and ordinary) have the same number occuring in the series?



KEY QUESTIONS:

What is the relationship between ordinary triangular polygonal numbers and others?

Can you re-arrange the dots from one polygonal to make another, and then generalise?

Throughout your exploration the question "Why?" probably needs to be asked!