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Ponder This

May 1999

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Ponder This Challenge:

A large rectangle is partitioned into smaller rectangles, with sides parallel to those of the large rectangle. Each smaller rectangle has at least one side whose length is an integer. (For some rectangles this may be the horizontal side; for others, the vertical side.)

Prove that the same holds true of the large rectangle.

FYI: Although this problem may appear simple at first, the solution is actually fairly complex.


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Challenge: 05/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST
Solution: 06/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST
List Updated: 06/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST

People who answered correctly:


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