A large equilateral triangle is constructed by using toothpicks to create rows of small equilateral triangles. For example, in the figure, we have rows of small congruent equilateral triangles, with small triangles in the base row. How many toothpicks would be needed to construct a large equilateral triangle if the base row of the triangle consists of small equilateral triangles?

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Problem © Mathematical Association of America (MAA), American Mathematics Competitions. Reproduced for non-commercial educational use. Solution and commentary are original to this site.