Which of the answer figures can be made by joining all the pieces shown in Figure (X)? The pieces may be turned round; the lines in each answer figure show how it is cut.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) →
A figure can be formed from the pieces only if it is cut into exactly the 3 pieces of Figure (X), each with the same shape and size (a piece may be turned round). The 3 pieces of Figure (X), turned round where needed, fit together as the square of Option (2), as shown in the same colours below.
Option (1) — Incorrect. The line between its top-right piece and its left piece is in a different place: the top-right piece has one small square less and the left piece one small square more, so neither of them is one of the given pieces.
Option (3) — Incorrect. The line between its top-right piece and its bottom-right piece is in a different place: the top-right piece has one small square less and the bottom-right piece one small square more, so neither of them is one of the given pieces.
Option (4) — Incorrect. It is cut differently: its bottom-left and top pieces do not match any piece of Figure (X), even when turned round.