Steve ponders a math problem that asks for the number of handshakes if six people at a meeting shake hands just once with each other. The problem then asks for the number of handshakes if there are n people. Steve arrives at the correct answers after a couple of minutes without the use of calculator or pencil and paper.

Question

The stage of development best illustrated in this example is ___.

Answer 1

The stage of development best illustrated in this example is the ability to understand and apply combinatorial mathematics principles. Specifically, Steve is able to recognize patterns and use his knowledge of permutations and combinations to arrive at the correct answers for the number of handshakes. This demonstrates his ability to conceptualize and solve mathematical problems mentally, without the need for external tools like a calculator or pencil and paper.