29 Mar 2013

Prize Maths Quiz: An 18-Sided Polygon (PMQ12)


The diagram below shows a large regular hexagon with unit sides, within which has been constructed an 18-sided polygon shown as the dark area. This figure has been created by, firstly, constructing six squares within the hexagon, one from each side of the hexagon. These six squares overlap to create a number of different shapes. The dark highlighted area shows the region where four or more squares overlap.

Find the area of the highlighted 18-sided polygon. You may leave the answer as an exact expression.



PMQ12 overlapping squares in hexagon




You may discuss the question below, but no full answers, please, until the competition has closed!

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How to Enter

Send your complete solution by email to pmq12turing@giftedmaths.comThis email address shall be removed after the competition closes to avoid spam. This PMQ12 competition closes on MONDAY 1 April at 23:59 GMT - one extra weekday from now on.

The Prize

The prizes for this PMQ are 3 free places in our Online Maths Club for 3 months. The very first correct solution will receive a prize plus two others randomly selected from all the other correct answers. The email time stamp shall determine the order of entries received. All winners can have their name posted and a link to their own online profile at their favourite social network or their own blog.

Quick Rules

Look at the expanded rules on our PMQ page.
Anybody can enter our Prize Maths Quiz; adults and students.
Use the official server clock in the right column to avoid late entries.
All emails and email addresses sent to us will be deleted after the winners have been processed.
DO NOT submit your entries to the comments section at the bottom of this post.
You CAN discuss it there but you must email us to enter the competition.
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Enjoy the challenge!
Send us your solution! You can't win if you don't participate.
Then tell your friends!


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