Making Triangles

Use 11 sticks of equal length to make this triangle with edge lengths 2, 4 and 5. You might like to record this as (2, 4, 5). How many other triangles can you make with 11 sticks?

You could use paper sticks, toothpicks, or a piece of string with equally spaced knots. To make 4 paper sticks each 10.5 cm long, cut a piece of A4 paper in four, roll the paper with the string inside so that you can join the sticks by tying the string. If you have not made paper sticks before see the video https://bit.ly/MakePaperSticksVideo 

Investigate all the triangles that you can make with different numbers of sticks.

Record your results.

Is it possible to make a triangle with edge lengths 2, 3 and 6?

What about 2, 3 and 4?

When can you make a triangle and when is it impossible? What patterns can you find?

The MAKING TRIANGLES Inclusion and Home Learning Guide offers related learning tasks on the theme of Detours (3 point journeys) with a sequence of different challenges suitable for learners of all attainment levels and all ages from 5 to 18+.

Click here to download the MAKING TRIANGLES Inclusion and Home Learning Guide

Click here to download the MAKING TRIANGLES worksheet.

Click here for the Notes for Teachers.