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.

          +---------+
          |\        |
          | \       |
          |  \      |
          |   \     |
          |   /     |
          |  /      |
          | /       |
          ||        |
+---------+|A       +---------+
|          |       ---       /|
|           \     / B \     / |
|            \   /     \   /  |
|             \ /       \ /   |
|    X         X         X    |
|   / \       / \             |etc...

As the curvy bits at A and B (and C and D not shown) get more and more pointed, the pieces can be put together to make better and better crosses.   

Posted by Jer on 2006-03-07 15:32:14