Double Cover

Weekly Problem 3 - 2007
What is the ratio of the area of the table covered twice, to the uncovered area?
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Problem

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Double Cover
 

A sheet of paper is exactly the same size as a rectangular table top. The paper is cut in half and the two halves are placed on the table as shown.

What is the ratio of the area of table left uncovered (white) to the area that is covered twice?

 

If you liked this problem, here is an NRICH task which challenges you to use similar mathematical ideas.