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What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?

(You will find the solution at the bottom of the page you are waiting for)

 

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Table Teaser

Table Teaser is four puzzles in one. Before you begin folding it, you already have a handy book-marker of two colours.
First you have to fold it to make a square coaster with only one colour showing. The magnets hold it firmly in place.
Having succeeded with the first stage, you wouldn't find it too difficult to open the magnets and refold it to a coaster with only the other colour showing. But can you change it to the other colour without undoing the magnets? That's not so easy
Now undo the magnets and fold it a different way to make a napkin ring. Again only one colour should be visible.
Finally make the napkin ring reverse colour without parting the magnets.

This interesting and unusual puzzle will appeal to all enquiring minds, and makes a novel talking point at the dinner table.

This original design is an adaption of a discovery by the mathematician Arthur Stone, called a flexitube. (He also invented the flexagon, see our Crafty Coaster and Kaleidoscope). In our version, the flexitube corresponds to the napkin ring, but the colouring pattern of the triangles allows a second method of folding to make a flattened form which can be used as a coaster. As far as we are aware, this added property of the flexitube is an original discovery. Another added feature is the use of magnetic plates to fasten the ends, rather than glueing them together as in most paper models. It would not otherwise be possible to fold both forms from the same strip.

   

Table Teaser is of interest to recreational mathematicians and puzzlers. It is strongly constructed using ribbon, magnets and 32 wooden triangles. Instructions are included.


Table Teaser £5.00 (UK Pounds Sterling)

 
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Loading Page Puzzle: What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?

Solution: The answer is Charcoal. Think of a barbecue.