4
$\begingroup$

When I was a child my father gave me a wooden puzzle that consisted of pieces that represented every possible combination of 5 squares.

enter image description here

The goal was to arrange the pieces in various rectangular blocks for example 3x20 if my memory serves me correctly.

The pieces might have to be turned upside down in order to make the rectangular blocks.

Even now when staring at tiled floors I cannot help but see these patterns.

What is the name and history of the puzzle and where can I find the list of pieces and the solutions?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
$\begingroup$

They are called pentominoes. Because dominoes are 2 squares joined together, pieces made from more squares were dubbed trominoes, tetrominoes, pentominoes, hexominoes, etc.

Wikipedia article on Pentomino

They were popularised in a book by Solomon Golomb, and more so after Martin Gardner devoted some of his columns in Scientific American to them.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
$\begingroup$

It is called pentomino, yon can see the description and solutions in Wikipedia or google additional information.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.