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.