Hinged Dissections
Swinging and Twisting

These novel and original dissections will be a gold mine for math puzzle enthusiasts and for math educators.

Greg N. Frederickson (Author)

9780521010788, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 June 2010

300 pages
24.5 x 17 x 1.6 cm, 0.5 kg

Review of the hardback: '… can be read as a research monograph in discrete geometry … but also as a leisure-time book for everybody interested in geometrical puzzles and patterns, in ingenious and surprising constructions, that is, for all who love the beauty and diversity of geometrical objects.' Internationale Mathematische Nachrichten

Using this book, you can explore ways to create hinged collections of pieces that swing together to form a figure. Swing them another way and they form another figure! The profuse illustrations and lively text will show you how to find a wealth of hinged dissections for all kinds of polygons, stars and crosses, curved and even three-dimensional figures. For an added challenge, you can try using different kinds of hinges for twisting and flipping pieces. The author includes careful explanation of ingenious techniques, as well as puzzles and solutions for readers of all mathematical levels. If you remember any secondary school geometry, you are already on your way. These novel and original dissections will be a gold mine for math puzzle enthusiasts, for math educators in search of enrichment topics, and for anyone who loves to see beautiful objects in motion.

Preface
1. If it ain't got that swing
2. Hinging on the details
3. Tricks for turning
4. Making squares dance
5. L'affaire triangulaire
6. Return to polygonia
7. Who's the squarest of them all?
8. Stepping around
9. All in the family
10. Elation in tessellations
11. Strips revealed
12. With a little help from my friends
13. At cross purposes
14. Handling the curves
15. And also starring
16. Four of a kind
17. As the whirled turns
18. A new breed of swingers
19. Not your regular polygons
20. Into another dimension
21. The flip side
22. Twist and shout!
23. Puzzles unhinged
Afterword
Bibliography
Index of dissections
General index.

Subject Areas: Geometry [PBM]