Line of squares

Weekly Problem 35 - 2016
What is the total perimeter of the squares, if the line GH in the diagram is 24cm?
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Exploring and noticing Working systematically Conjecturing and generalising Visualising and representing Reasoning, convincing and proving
Being curious Being resourceful Being resilient Being collaborative

Problem



Line of Squares
In the diagram on the right, each of the squares touches adjacent squares at the corners and the line $GH$ along one of the edges.

If the length of $GH$ is $24\text{cm}$, what is the total perimeter of all the squares?

If you liked this problem, here is an NRICH task which challenges you to use similar mathematical ideas.