Fewest squares

From youcubed

(This video was developed with Alishia from Sylvania Heights PS, Kristy from Minchinbury PS and Stephanie from Parramatta PS)

Collect resources

You will need:

• 11 x 13 grid or create your own using grid paper

• different coloured markers or pencils.

Instructions

• Draw an 11 x 13 grid on paper or use the 11 x 13 grid provided.

• What is the fewest number of squares you can draw inside your 11 x 13 grid?

  • Make sure you don't have any overlapping squares or leave any blank spaces.

Instructions

• Test out some different starting places, or start with different square numbers to help you find the fewest squares within the 11x13 grid.

When you're ready, watch the last video.

Instructions

• Watch the video and compare your 11 x 13 grid to the ones created in the video.

  • What was the fewest number of squares you could fit into the 11 x 13 grid?

  • How were the grids you made similar or different to the ones in the videos?

Discuss/reflect

• Is 8 the fewest number of squares we can use to fill the 11 x 13 grid?

• What would the dimensions (size) of a grid need to be so we could fill it with exactly 7 squares?