Square to L
Find a way to cut a 4 by 4 square into only two pieces, then rejoin the two pieces to make an L shape 6 units high.
Problem
Find a way to cut a $4$ by $4$ square into only two pieces, then rejoin the two pieces to make an L shape, $6$ units high.
Student Solutions
Cassandra (from Cambridge) and Josh (from Bedfordshire) both say to cut out the top right quarter of the square and put them on top.
Audre (from Singapore) says to "Split the square in half horizontally or vertically then join them''.
Arthur (from Cambridge) found a different way: "In the top right corner, cut a row of 3 joined to a row of 2 underneath. Flip it over and join it to the top''.
Are there more ways to do it??
If you've gone further with pupils then you might like to see these results.
Teachers' Resources
Why do this problem?
Possible approach
Key questions
Possible extension
Possible support
Some pupils may need adult help in trying to cut out the shapes to see if they work.