Blog

Difficulty: Tricky

I’ve got a square piece of paper, with lines for writing on both sides. Right now, the lines are running up and down the page. To get the lines running left and right, I could rotate the page, but that’s too boring. Can I do it by flipping the page instead?
 

Scroll down or click for a hint, or the answer!

 

brain icon
 

Brainteaser hint

Get a piece of paper and try it yourself – it’s a lot easier than doing it in your head.

brain icon

 

Brainteaser answer

It can be done! Pick up the paper by opposite corners – say, top left and bottom right, and flip it diagonally.

Also in this newsletter

Drop jump
Pterosaur tears up ancient sky
Raise the volume! – a quick quiz

For more brainteasers and puzzles for kids, subscribe to Double Helix magazine!

Subscribe now! button

2 responses

  1. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    What happens if you flip it across an axis fifteen degrees from vertical and incrementally continue to do this three times?

    1. David Avatar
      David

      Ooh! that’s clever!

      If I’m interpreting you right,
      do a flip at 15 degrees so the lines end up at 30 degrees,
      then do a flip at 45 degrees so the lines are at 60 degrees
      then finally at 75 degrees to get the lines running at 90 degrees.

      That’s really neat!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

By submitting this form, you give CSIRO permission to publish your comments on our websites. Please make sure the comments are your own. For more information please see our terms and conditions.

Why choose the Double Helix magazine for your students?

Perfect for ages 8 – 14

Developed by experienced editors

Engaging and motivating

*84% of readers are more interested in science

Engaging students voice