Math Trek Math

Chemical Dissections

By Ivars Peterson

- More than 2 years ago

In recreational mathematics, a geometric dissection involves cutting a geometric figure into pieces that you can reassemble into another figure. For example, it’s possible to slice a square into four angular pieces that can be rearranged into an equilateral triangle.

The same four pieces can be assembled into a square or an equilateral triangle.

Sets of four five-sided plates can assemble themselves into octagons or open squares, depending on the density of the aqueous solution sitting atop a thick, dense oil.