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From: David Entwistle <qnivq.ragjvfgyr@ogvagrearg.pbz>
Newsgroups: rec.puzzles
Subject: 150. - DISSECTING A MITRE
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 07:45:47 -0000 (UTC)
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150. - DISSECTING A MITRE

From "Amusements in Mathematics" by Henry Ernest Dudeney (first published 
1917).

http://www.puzzles.50webs.org/pics/q150a.png

The figure that is perplexing the carpenter in the illustration represents 
a mitre. It will be seen that its proportions are those of a square with 
one quarter removed. The puzzle is to cut it into five pieces that will 
fit together and form a perfect square. I show an attempt, published in 
America, to perform the feat in four pieces, based on what is known as the 
"step principle," but it is a fallacy.

Dudeney then goes on then to explain how a suggested four-piece solution 
is not actually valid. In the context that was important, but presents 
something of a distraction. We are looking for a five piece solution. You 
can read the whole discussion at the link below:

http://www.puzzles.50webs.org/various_dissection.html

Describing any solution in a text based medium will be a challenge, but if 
you are happy to take on the puzzle and mark your own work that's good 
enough for me.

Good luck,
-- 
David Entwistle