Jellybeans Galore

Step 1: Fill the squares on each of the LEGS of the triangle with one layer of
jellybeans. Make sure that no jellybeans are overlapping and the squares
are as full as you can make them.

Step 2: Record your values in the table below.

Step 3: Remove the triangle centerpiece. Start by moving the jellybeans in
these squares to the square on the hypotenuse. Replace the triangle
centerpiece and make one layer of jellybeans, like in step 1. If you need any
more jellybeans, add them. If you need less, take some away.

Step 4: Record this value in the table below.


Number of Jellybeans
Square on Leg 1

Square on Leg 2

Square on Hypotenuse


Conclusions:
1. Can you describe the relationship between the three squares?
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2. How do you find the area of a square?
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3. Using the previous two questions, write a formula for the relationship
you found. Use different variables for each of the squares. Explain why it
makes sense.
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Bonus Challenge: Can you create your own model not using squares that
represents your conjecture that you created? Sketch your model below and
explain why it would work: