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Out of the Window

Age 14 to 16
ShortChallenge Level Yellow star
Secondary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Solutions

By Pythagoras Theorem, the diagonal of the window is 100 cm, which exceeds the length or breadth of all the sheets. So the first three pieces can go through the window either way and the 90 x 105 cm piece can also go through the window, provided the 90 cm edge goes first.

This problem is taken from the UKMT Mathematical Challenges.
You can find more short problems, arranged by curriculum topic, in our short problems collection.

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At a Glance

The area of a regular pentagon looks about twice as a big as the pentangle star drawn within it. Is it?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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