Question 19
Bin says that three squares drawn on paper can intersect to create other shapes. When three identical squares are drawn, what is the greatest total number of outlined squares, of whatever size, that can occur?
Source error: The printed key C (7) is contradicted by an arrangement with 8 outlined squares. The original question and choices are retained for review; do not treat the printed key as verified. Count all outlined squares, allowing equal side lengths.
Original choices: A. 3; B. 5; C. 7; D. 9; E. 11.
Editorial self-study task: Give a configuration of three congruent squares that disproves the printed claim that the maximum is 7. List the squares in your configuration and explain why this does not, by itself, determine the true maximum.
Source error: The printed key C (7) is contradicted by an arrangement with 8 outlined squares. The original question and choices are retained for review; do not treat the printed key as verified. Count all outlined squares, allowing equal side lengths.
Original choices: A. 3; B. 5; C. 7; D. 9; E. 11.
Editorial self-study task: Give a configuration of three congruent squares that disproves the printed claim that the maximum is 7. List the squares in your configuration and explain why this does not, by itself, determine the true maximum.