#MathArtChallenge Day 37: Pascal’s Triangle Patterns

Blank Pascal's Triangle

The Challenge: Start by making (or use mine below) a Pascal’s Triangle. Then shade in some sequence of values. I suggest starting with even/odd numbers, and then perhaps multiple of 3, 4 etc.

Materials Needed: Pascal’s triangle. You can print one or you can create your own!
Math concepts you could explore with this challenge: algebra, arithmetic, combinations & permutations, counting, functions, proportions/ratios, sequences, symmetry

Spoilers below

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Depending on how you use this activity, you may engage with different mathematical standards. I’ve listed possible connected math content above. Here are a few suggestions for how you might integrate the 8 mathematical practices. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments!

3.) Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Which sequences make for geometric patterns in Pascal’s triangle? How can you predict the geometricness of the shading?

4.) Model with mathematics. What does it do for us to visualize sequences in this way? How can this expand our understanding of algebraic functions?

Author: Ms. P

Math Teacher in Minneapolis, MN.

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