39142

My solution to the counting rods problem was to use a set of rods with the lengths of 1,2 and 4. By using these you can create the lengths 1 to 7. I found this out by using trial and error. I first tried it was 3,4 and 5 just to give me an idea of the kind of numbers I would need. With these I couldn't create 1,2 or 6. To get 1 I figured I had to have a rod worth 1. I would also need one for 2. Then it was for the third number. I went through the numbers and I could use 1 and 2 to get three but then I couldn't get any higher. This meant I had to use a four. If I had used three I could only make it to six but by using four I could get to seven. If I tried to reach eight it would be impossible with three rods. For me to get to four I either had to have two 2's or four 1's or a four block rod. Therefore I had to have a one, I had to have a two then I had to have a four.