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Ponder This

November 1999

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Ponder This Challenge:

Background and notation: It's Thanksgiving, and time to stuff the turkey. But we've got a problem. The stuffing came in a cube measuring 12cm on a side. The hole in the turkey, however, will accommodate a rectangular block measuring 8cm by 8cm by 27cm. Due to time constraints (we can't miss the parade on TV) we only want to cut the stuffing into four pieces.

The question:
How can we cut the 12cm cube into four pieces which will reassemble into an 8cm by 8cm by 27cm block?


We will post the names of those who submit a correct, original solution! If you don't want your name posted then please include such a statement in your submission!

We invite visitors to our website to submit an elegant solution. Send your submission to the ponder@il.ibm.com.

If you have any problems you think we might enjoy, please send them in. All replies should be sent to: ponder@il.ibm.com

  

Challenge: 11/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST
Solution: 12/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST
List Updated: 12/01/99 @ 12:00 AM EST

People who answered correctly:

Andrew Bayly (11.01.1999 @ 8:36 PM EST)
H.P. Ravikiran (11.01.1999 @ 7:48 PM EST)
Simon Plantinga (11.02.1999 @ 4:07 AM EST)
Francesco Loffredo (11.04.1999 @ 4:02 PM EST)
Michael Moyer (11.06.1999 @ 6:40 AM EST)
Andrew Jones (11.08.1999 @ 4:39 PM EST)
Youngchul Park (11.08.1999 @ 12:32 PM EST)
Joseph DeVincentis (11.12.1999 @ 7:43 PM EST)
Ibrahim Okuyucu (11.14.1999 @ 4:56 PM EST)
Philippe Fondanaiche (11.21.1999 @ 6:35 AM EST)
Dieter Verhofstadt (11.22.1999 @ 3:57 AM EST)
Sergio de Melo Daher (11.22.1999 @ 5:55 PM EST)
Andy Lowry (11.22.1999 @ 4:48 PM EST)
Robert Galejs (11.23.1999 @ 10:30 AM EST)
John Feiler (11.29.1999 @ 8:51 AM EST)
Antoni & Tomek Tomaszewicz (11.29.1999 @ 10:30 AM EST)


Attention: If your name is posted here and you wish it removed please send email to the ponder@il.ibm.com.