I have a cross in the form of one square with four identical squares surrounding it

   _
 _|_|_
|_|_|_|
  |_|

Cut it into the fewest number of pieces possible such that, when rearranged the pieces form two smaller crosses of identical size.

(In reply to 4 pieces by Dej Mar)

Maybe there are multiple solutions.

It asks for the fewest number of pieces.. not nessarily cuts.
However.. your solution and mine each require three cuts... unless after the first cut we each put the two halves over each other and make the 2nd cut through the two halves simulateously..
but i think all that doesn't matter...   4 pieces is what matters.

The problem says the crosses need to be similar size.. not nessarily similar shape. It doesnt say anything about regular vs irregular crosses.. so i think unless someone comes up with a solution with less then 4 pieces.. we're both right..

Good call with the overlapping though !

Posted by Highway6 on 2006-03-06 15:31:46