Is your Algebra history? The
Algebra Lesson might be a fun way to relearn it.
Try this little puzzle. Is there a rectangle, or even a square, divisible into squares with no two equal? This
sure looks like one, but no matter how good it looks, it's only suggestive until we have exact sizes for the squares and can numerically verify that they fit in the manner shown. You get those sizes with elementary algebra.
Hint: Suppose the smaller white square is 7 by 7. We could instead call it 1 or 100, but 7 turns out to be the smallest size that makes all the others come out even. Now suppose the adjoining light blue is x by x. Can you take it from here? If not,
Oh, you say it's too easy? You did it in your head?? OK,