This month’s activity comes from the field of recreational mathematics.
While the puzzle may not seem very mathematical (other than using mathematical
language like points and line segments), it is actually related to the mathematical
fields of network theory and topology. In this puzzle, students are asked
to connect six points (labeled A-E) with line segments to form the outline
of an envelope. To make this a challenge, students must do this without lifting
their pencils once they start. In addition, they may not cross any lines
already drawn or retrace any line segment.
Finding one of the multiple solutions
to this puzzle is fairly easy using the trail-and-error method of problem
solving. However, the puzzle is tricky enough that students are not likely
to solve it unless they persist. This makes the puzzle an ideal one for starting
out the new school year. To facilitate students’ problem-solving efforts,
multiple sets of points are included on the student sheet. This allows students
to keep trying until they come up with a solution. It also provides a way
for students to label their solutions once they have solved the puzzle.
I
hope that you find this activity, as well future Puzzle Corners,
valuable for your class. If used consistently, they should foster an environment
in
which students find themselves enjoying math and developing essential problem-solving
skills. I’ll have one of the solutions to this puzzle plus a new challenge
in the next issue. If you have any questions or comments about this, or any
Puzzle Corner activity, please do not hesitate to contact me at dyoungs@fresno.edu.
Worksheet
