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Square Bisection

Age 11 to 14
ShortChallenge Level Yellow star
Secondary curriculum
  • Problem
  • Solutions

Any line which passes though the centre of the square divides the square into two congruent shapes. An example is shown below.

Figure 1

There are an infinite number of suitable lines (lines passing through the centre, at any angle) so there are infinitely many ways the square can be cut in half with a single straight cut.
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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With one cut a piece of card 16 cm by 9 cm can be made into two pieces which can be rearranged to form a square 12 cm by 12 cm. Explain how this can be done.

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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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