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Puzzle #249: Can you calculate exactly how much more paint is needed?

Can you solve this week’s arithmetical puzzle, Espresso geometry? Plus the answer to puzzle #248

22 November 2023

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

#249 Espresso geometry

Set by Katie Steckles

The Circle Coffee Shop was getting a rebrand and its big, circular logo on the shop wall was getting repainted to match its new identity, The Equilateral Triangle Coffee Shop. The painter was just packing up their brushes when the coffee shop boss came stomping over.

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

“This isn’t right! You’ve painted an equilateral triangle that fits exactly inside the old circle logo! We wanted the new triangle logo to just cover the whole of the old one!” The painter looked doubtful. “I’ve just used a whole tin of paint doing this. If you want more paint on the wall, you’ll have to pay for any extra!”…

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