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 Questions by tomarken)

I should have been more precise with the wording. The answer to all tomarken's questions is yes. I intended the question to ask for two identical crosses, both similar to the original. Given the way the question was worded i'm impressed with all the original thinking out there.

Posted by Percy on 2006-03-07 09:59:44