The Indisputable Santa Mathematical Advent Calendar
Day 6

Happy 6th of December!

Throughout the month, to accompany the release of our book on the Mathematics of ChristmasHannah Fry & I are tweeting out Christmathsy bits and pieces, one a day, advent calendar style. Assuming we don’t run out of ideas, that is…

Another puzzle today:

czaeplwxcaaqci2

And take note of this observation from Michael Baym:

screen-shot-2016-12-06-at-18-25-24

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WHOLE CALENDAR SO FAR

2 thoughts on “The Indisputable Santa Mathematical Advent Calendar
Day 6

  1. Oscar

    I can’t see how to do it with no leftover parts of a square. In the diagram, sixteen crackers are used. If the four squares aren’t split up, the maximum number of crackers that can be used is 13. If the four squares are split up three and one, the maximum number of crackers that can be used is 14, and this number is the same if the four squares are split up two and two. In this case, there will either be one more square or some pieces sticking.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Oscar Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *