What number comes next in the pattern and why? 2,3,6,15,42

for the friend request.

when a figure, such as triangle (xyz) is reflected over the line y = x to create x'y'z' the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the original image (pre-image) will be reversed for the image. (e.g., (x, y) > (y, x)) this means that the pre-image position of the x- and y-coordinates switch places which in turn provides a mirror like image of the original xyz.  

i notice that when i draw a line segment from x to x', that the points are parallel from each other -- they are exactly across from each other and do not intersect with any other points.  

yes, think i would see the same characteristic if you drew the line segment connecting y with the reflecting line and then y' with the reflecting line because of the essence of reflections. because it is a mirror image, each point was effected the same way which leads me to conclude that they same would apply to y and y'.

a.) list the factors of 40.

1/2/4/5/8/10/20/40

b.) list the factors of 40 that represent the number of cans that could be on each shelf.

5

c.) how many different arrangements of cans are possible?

just one because if you put more on one shelf you will go way over 40 and the cabinet will probably break.

d.) what are the possible arrangements of the cans?

put 5 cans on each self to reach 40 cans in total.

e.) which arrangement uses all the shelves?

5 because you can put 5 cans on each shelf, and since there are 8 shelfs you are equally going to get 40 cans.