How many triangles are there

We then posed the problem to our Instagram followers, whose replies also ran the gamut, from 5 to 14 to Turns out virtually all of the mathematicians I contacted found the same solution—but not all of them figured it out in the same way.

Hey, that was quick. Ready for the answer? The only way to form triangles in the figure I drew, Erikkson-Bisque says, is if the top vertex corner is part of the triangle. The base of the triangle will then have to be one of the three levels below. This gives 18, or 3 times 6 triangles. Remember high school math? Johanna Mangahas, Ph. I could have made this much easier on readers—and, crucially, much easier on my inbox—had I just sketched the triangle on plain, white computer paper.

But no. I unfortunately drew this triangle on lined paper, and lots of smart people have correctly pointed out that, well, actually , if you count the light blue parallel lines in the image in addition to the dark blue lines written in marker, there are actually more than 18 total triangles here—considerably more. I never specified to only use those dark blue lines, and thus, I am wrong. You are right. One reader, Ralph Linsangan, totally owned me by sending this image, in which he marks every additional triangle found under the technicality, flagging 17 additional triangles for a total of That kind of dedication is just one of many reasons I love Popular Mechanics readers.

Why can't you go back to comments once you already went? I know how you feel! Because I'm you! Feb 2, This is getting very Meta. Feb 1, I've tried that! Why are hedgehogs not aloud in CA? Sierra Jan 23, Jan 23, Isaiah Dec 2, I would like to comment that. I think that your math that you wort is good for other people. Dec 2, Thank you for sharing your comment with us, Isaiah. Lily Sep 23, Sep 23, Preena chudasama Sep 20, Sep 21, Cohen Jun 7, Jun 8, Jun 3, Hi, muhammed!

Triangles are super cool shapes! We hope you learned something new about it! Jeff Mar 29, Apr 1, Hi, Jeff! We're glad you liked this Wonder! So I still don't understand how many triangles are there? Nov 2, John Cena Oct 14, As a WWE world champion, I approve of this article.

I have encountered many triangles in the ring, and I think this could help teach children about important life lessons. Triangles are great!!! Oct 14, Thanks for commenting, John! Triangles are great and it's fun to spot them all around us!

OgreAggressive Oct 13, Oct 13, Dylan Oct 2, Oct 4, Wesley Oct 1, There are 3 triangles and I liked the way that they expand it.

Oct 1, Mia Sep 30, I never knew triangles could be so intresting! Please keep writing more Wonderoplis. This is like Home-HomeWork! Callie Sep 30, Sep 30, TheX Sep 30, We have way too many shapes. Think about it. Charlotte Sep 30, This is a cool wonder! I never knew how many kinds of triangles there are! Seamus Sep 30, Just had a math test 15 mins.

Go 5th grade! Of course, kaleb! Keep working hard! We're glad you made a connection with this Wonder! Related Wonders for You to Explore Match its definition: the mathematical study of planar or spatial objects such as points, lines, planes, and solid figures. Word Match Congratulations! Share results. Play Again Quit. Next Question. See your results. Share Results. Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Diana Bruk , Best Life. A new brain teaser seems to be stumping the internet.

Journalist Jitesh Pillaai shared a drawing of several triangles hidden within one triangle and asked his followers to identify just how many they could find. Answers were all over the place, and even those who are good at math seemed to be stumped.