122 Geometrical Problems- THREE GREEK CROSSES
FROM ONE
.r.DIn Amusements in Mathematics
(page 168) is given this elegant so-
lution for cutting two symmetrical
Greek crosses of the same size from
a larger cross. Of course A is cut out
- MAKING A SQUARE
Here is an elegant, but not difficult,
little cutting-out puzzle that will in-
terest readers (sent by E. B. E.).*
Cut the figure into four pieces, each
of the same size and shape, that will
fit together and form a perfect square.
entire, and the reader will have no
difficulty in placing the other four
pieces together to form a similar
cross. It was then added:
"The difficult question now pre-
sents itself-how are we to cut three
Greek crosses from one in the fewest
possible pieces? As a matter of fact
this problem may be solved in as few
as thirteen pieces; but as I know many
of my readers, advanced geometri-
cians, will be glad to have something
to work at of which they are not
shown the solution, I leave the mys-
tery for the present undisclosed."
Only one correspondent has ever
succeeded in solving the problem,
and his method is exceedingly com-
plex and difficult. Of course the three
crosses must be all of one size.[* Edward B. Escott. See footnote to solution for Problem 332 -M G 1