Year 8 Interactive Maths - Second Edition

Problem Solving Unit

Problem 7.1  General Term in a Pattern

1.  Observe the following pattern and complete the remaining lines:

2.  Write an expression for the sum of the terms in the n^th row.

3.  What is the middle term in the n^th row.

Problem 7.2  The Puzzle

For this problem you may use the following results:

By using the numbers 3 exactly three times, together with any of the four operations (+, –, ×, ÷), brackets and powers of 3 if you need them, try to make an expression equal to the numbers 0 to 9.  For example, an expression to obtain 6 is illustrated below.  There is more than one way in some cases.  Copy and complete the following.

0 =
1 =
2 =
3 =
4 =
5 =
6 = 3 × 3 – 3
7 =
8 =
9 =