Connected Loops
Math Puzzles of the Month
Connected Loops
In this puzzle we challenge you to find a way to tie the three loops of string together so that untying any one of them causes the other two to be disconnected.
Can you tie three loops of string together in such a way that they are all connected, so that if you pick up one loop, the others will come with it? Here's one way.
If you now untie the blue string, the green and red loops are no longer connected.
But, if you untie the red string instead of the blue one, the other two loops remain attached.
Similarly, if you untie the green string, the red and blue loops remain connected to each other.
The Challenge
Can you find a way to tie the three loops together so that untying any one of them causes the other two to be disconnected?
After you've tried this for yourself, check our solution.
