POW #2

How Many Squares?

The picture at the left shows a standard 8-by-8 checkerboard, made up of 64

small squares.

But there are many other squares of various sizes within

the

checkerboard.
For example, the diagram at the right shows a 3-by-3 square outlined
within the larger checkerboard. (This is just one of many 3-by-3
squares.)
The 2 questions in this POW are:
1. How many squares are there altogether on the checkerboard?
When you are confident that you have counted all the squares of various sizes on the 8-by-8
checkerboard, move on to the generalization.
2. Suppose you have a square checkerboard of some other sizenot 8-by-8. How can
you determine how many squares are on it altogether?
You will know you are done with this problem when you feel confident that, no matter what
size checkerboard you are given, you can quickly and easily compute the total number of
squares.
Write-up
1. Process:
Describe what you did in attempting to solve the problem, using your notes as a reminder. Include things that didnt
work out or that seemed like a waste of time. Do this part of the write-up even if you didnt solve the problem. If
you get assistance of any kind on the problem, you should indicate what the assistance was and how it helped you.
2. Solution:
State your solution as clearly as you can. Explain how you know that your solution is correct and complete. (If you
obtained only a partial solution, give that. If you were able to generalize the problem, include your general results.)
Your explanation should be written in a way that will be convincing to someone elseeven someone who initially
disagrees with your answer.
3. Extensions:
Invent some extensions or variations to the problem. That is, write down some related problems. They can be
easier, harder, or about the same level of difficulty as the original problem. (You dont have to solve these
additional problems.)
4. Evaluation:
Discuss your personal reaction to the problem. For example, you might respond to the questions below.
Did you consider it educationally worthwhile? What did you learn from it?
How would you change the problem to make it better?
Did you enjoy working on it?
Was it too hard or too easy?