Wrapping Gifts

Problem | Solution | Printable page |
Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1


A box of size $a$ cm by $b$ cm by $c$ cm is to be wrapped with a square shaped piece of wrapping paper. Cutting the paper is not allowed so what is the smallest square this sheet can be?

Now suppose we want to wrap up a cube, what is the smallest square of wrapping paper that can be used to minimise wastage?


Published December 1999.