Rectangular Cardboard | Puzzles for Interview - Interview Preparation PDF Download

Problem Statement

You are given a rectangular cardboard with a rectangular piece removed from it (of any size and orientation). Your task is to determine a way to cut the remaining cardboard in two equal parts with just one straight line cut.

Solution

 To solve this problem, we can use the geometric fact that "any line passing through the center of a rectangle divides the rectangle into two equal pieces." By applying this fact, we can find the solution as follows:

1. Find the center of the original rectangular cardboard.
2. Find the center of the removed rectangular piece.
3. Draw a straight line joining the center of the original rectangular cardboard and the center of the removed piece.

By doing this, we will be able to divide the remaining cardboard into exactly two equal pieces with just one straight line cut.

Conclusion

The rectangular cardboard problem can be solved by using the geometric fact related to the center of the rectangle. By connecting the center of the original cardboard and the removed piece with a straight line, we can efficiently divide the remaining cardboard into two equal parts. This solution is simple, elegant, and easy to implement, making it an effective approach to tackle such interview puzzles.