You have 5 squares joined by their sides in a Z pattern as shown. What is the fewest number of pieces and straight cuts neccesary so the pieces can form a single larger square if you can't use cuts that aren't straight, you can't move the pieces until all cuts have been done, you can't bend, fold or flex the squares, and you can't rotate or flip over the pieces when moving them to form the giant square?

(In reply to re: Much better by Nosher)

I pretty much followed the same line of thought as did Larry in his comment.  At first, I found a way of cutting it so a square would form, then removed all the unnecessary cuts.

Posted by Tristan on 2004-10-11 03:36:19