Sticky Numbers
Look at the following row of numbers:
\[10\quad
15\quad 21\quad 4\quad 5\]
They are arranged so that each pair of adjacent numbers adds
up to a square number:
\[
10 + 15 = 25
\]
\[
15 + 21 = 36
\]
\[
21 + 4 = 25
\]
\[
4 + 5 = 9
\]
Can you arrange the numbers 1 to 17 in a row in the same way,
so that each adjacent pair adds up to a square number?
This printable set of
cards, or the number cards in
the interactivity below, might help you to test different
options.
Can you arrange them in more than one way? If not, can you
justify that your solution is unique?
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