The math whiz kids among us are in for a treat today. Ian Stewart, a renowned maths writer from the UK, has crafted three intriguing puzzles to test our spatial reasoning skills. From geometric grids to pizza slices, these brain teasers promise to put your problem-solving prowess to the ultimate test.
First up is a 33-cell grid that needs to be covered with exactly 11 of Stewart's specially designed tiles. Sounds simple enough, but can you figure out why this might not be possible? The answer lies in the clever design of the tiles and the inherent limitations of the grid itself.
Next, we have a shape consisting of four identical pieces cut along specific black lines. These pieces must be rearranged to form a perfect square, but is there an alternative way to do so? We're on the lookout for your creative solutions!
Finally, imagine dividing three pizzas among five people using different slicing methods. What's the smallest number of slices that will ensure each person receives equal portions? It's time to get creative with your pizza-cutting skills.
The answers will be revealed at 5 pm UK time, so keep those calculators sharp and those minds racing!
First up is a 33-cell grid that needs to be covered with exactly 11 of Stewart's specially designed tiles. Sounds simple enough, but can you figure out why this might not be possible? The answer lies in the clever design of the tiles and the inherent limitations of the grid itself.
Next, we have a shape consisting of four identical pieces cut along specific black lines. These pieces must be rearranged to form a perfect square, but is there an alternative way to do so? We're on the lookout for your creative solutions!
Finally, imagine dividing three pizzas among five people using different slicing methods. What's the smallest number of slices that will ensure each person receives equal portions? It's time to get creative with your pizza-cutting skills.
The answers will be revealed at 5 pm UK time, so keep those calculators sharp and those minds racing!
But, wait, maybe that's the point – they're trying to trick us into thinking it's easy. Then again, Ian Stewart is a renowned maths writer, so he probably knows what he's doing, and we should trust his expertise. Unless... unless I've just been told that he's wrong about everything? 
I'm going back and forth on this one, and it's driving me crazy! Can't decide whether to give it a shot or trash the puzzles altogether 
I was thinking maybe it had something to do with the tiles being all different shapes or sizes... but then again, that doesn't seem like a problem at all lol. And have you guys tried rearranging the pieces for the square? That's gonna be my next attempt 
I'm lowkey hoping there's an easier way to slice those pizzas too 
I'm thinking maybe it's not just about the tiles or the grid, but how they interact with each other? I'm gonna have to dive deeper into Stewart's design to crack this one. Also, pizza party incoming 
Ian Stewart is like a total genius and these puzzles sound super fun & challenging. I love how he's using different grids & pizza slices to test our spatial reasoning skills 
. Can't they come up with something simpler? I mean, who needs 11 tiles for a 33-cell grid? And pizza slices? 
. I think these puzzles are perfect for all you math nerds out there! The way Ian Stewart has designed the tiles is so clever... I mean who would've thought a simple 33-cell grid could be tricky to solve? 