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The Folding Problem: Solution

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Can you fold a square of paper to make it look like each of these designs?

diagram.

Solution

Yes, all of the designs shown can be made by folding the paper:

  1. Fold the left hand side of the square across to line up with the right hand side, then unfold.
  2. Fold the left hand side of the square across to line up with the right hand side, then fold the top of the rectangle down to line up with the bottom, then unfold.
  3. Fold the top left corner of the square down to touch the bottom right corner, then unfold.
  4. Fold the top left corner of the square down to touch the bottom right corner, then fold the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner, then unfold.
Extension

Can you fold a square so that it shows 3 rectangles?
Can you fold a square so that it shows 3 triangles?
Can you fold a square so that it shows both triangles and rectangles?