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?

The problem I had when using two cuts was the need to rotate the two triangles generated by my cuts.  Consequently I needed to figure out a way to compensate for this in my cuts.  Unfortunately this lead me to more cuts, but I was able to meet the requirements.

I liked Jer's diagram, so I would like to use it in my solution.

A B C

D E F

  G H I

  J K L

Cut 1:  from A to F,

Cut 2:  from E to F,

Cut 3:  from F to J,

Cut 4: from H to K.

Now it is just a matter of arranging the four triangle around the square and viola.

 

 

 

  

Posted by chris on 2004-10-13 01:39:39