PROBLEM AND

SOLUTION
Solutions
Here is a square plot of land
with four houses, four trees, a
well (W) in the center, and
hedges planted across with four
gateways (G). Can you divide
the ground so that each
householder shall have an
equal portion of land, one tree,
one gateway, an equal length of
hedge, and free access to the
well without trespass?
KEY ANSWER
A farmer once had a square
piece of ground on which stood
twenty-four trees, exactly as
shown in the illustration on the
following page. He left
instructions in his will that each
of his eight sons should receive
the same amount of ground and
the same number of trees.

How was the land to be divided

in the simplest possible manner?
KEY ANSWER