Determine the total number of 3 x 5 rectangular pieces of cardboard that can be cut from a 17 x 22 rectangular piece of cardboard such that the amount of waste is a minimum.

Prettier is of course on opinion but this is more symmetrical.

In two opposite corners fill two opposing 10x12 rectangles.
In the other two corners fill two opposing 12x5 rectangles.
Note: 10+12=22 and 12+5=15 so these fit nicely.
The unfilled portion is a 2x7 rectangle in the center.

Posted by Jer on 2014-06-09 10:56:11