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More Puzzles

HABERDASHER’S PROBLEM

Is it possible to transform an equilateral triangle into a perfect square?

In 1907, Henry Dudeney, an English writer and mathematician, renowned for his mathematical puzzles, demonstrated that it was indeed possible by dividing a triangle into four pieces by way of three cuts. Dudeney showed that the four pieces of the triangle, connected to each other at “hinged” points along a chain, could be folded into a square (and visa versa) without severing any of the connections of the chain! The Haberdasher’s Problem is but one example of a “hinged dissection puzzle”.

*The term Haberdasher refers to the four pieces of the triangle which bear a resemblance to pieces of cloth you might find in a haberdashery (a shop selling bits and pieces related to sewing).

Click HERE to view an animated version of Haberdasher's Puzzle!