By way of an introduction to problem-solving, consider
the 3 x 3 square array of black dots below and devise a strategy for
connecting all 9 dots with 4 straight lines without removing
your pencil (or pen) from the paper.
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Two incorrect solutions to this problem are presented in Examples A and B below. A is incorrect because only 8 of the 9 dots have been connected by the 4 sequentially connected lines. B shows 4 lines connecting all the dots, but it is also incorrect because drawing the 3rd and 4th line required lifting the pencil from the page twice.
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Example A
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Example B
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Yes, there really are solutions...try your hand solving
the problem, and then
click here to view an answer.