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 I think this is it. by Larry)

This still has 4 cuts:

Again with top-left to bottom-right labeled A - E,

Cut A from its top-right to its midpoint of left side and swivel its top-left right-triangular piece 180 degrees CCW about that midpoint on the left side.

Cut BC from top-left to lower-right. Move without rotating to below the rotated triangle from the preceding paragraph.

Cut D from its top-right to the midpoint of its left side, and cut D apart from E.  Place E in the center of the newly forming square, and the larger portion of D, rotated 180 degrees, below that. 

Posted by Charlie on 2004-10-10 15:50:15