Factorization: Making a Garden
Math 7: Factorization
Original worksheet by Ethan Hall @ https://www.geogebra.org/m/GJ3khRQj
You are deciding what dimensions you need for your rectangular garden. How many different arrangements can you make for a garden that has 24 plants, each needing 1 square foot? Use the applet below to investigate the different dimensions.
- Enter different integers (whole numbers).
- See what prime numbers compose your integer.
- Press the prime factors buttons and see how your number can be produced by multiplying different pairs of numbers.
- How many different pairs that produce your number are there?
Without repetition, how many unique dimensions are there for your garden?
You decide to double the number of plants in your garden, with each still requiring 1 square foot. How can the factors of your original garden (24 plants) help you to find the possible dimensions of your new one (48 plants)?
After determining the possible dimensions, you realize your garden needs a fence to keep out deer and rabbits! Which dimensions for your two gardens would require the least amount of fencing?