### Consecutive Numbers

An investigation involving adding and subtracting sets of consecutive numbers. Lots to find out, lots to explore.

### Golden Thoughts

Rectangle PQRS has X and Y on the edges. Triangles PQY, YRX and XSP have equal areas. Prove X and Y divide the sides of PQRS in the golden ratio.

A 1 metre cube has one face on the ground and one face against a wall. A 4 metre ladder leans against the wall and just touches the cube. How high is the top of the ladder above the ground?

# Pieces of Eight

##### Stage: 3 and 4 Short Challenge Level:

If the first triangle selected to be shaded is a corner triangle, then the final figure will have at least on axis of symmetry provided that the second triangle selected is one of five triangles. For example, if A is chosen first then there will be at least one axis of symmetry in the final figure if the second triangle selected is B, D, E, G or H. The same applies if an inner triangle is selected first: for example, if B is chosen first then there will be at least one axis of symmetry in the final figure if the second triangle selected is A, C, F, G or H.

So, the probability that the final figure has at least one axis of symmetry is $\frac{5}{7}$.

This problem is taken from the UKMT Mathematical Challenges.
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