Tangram Puzzle

What is Tangram?

Tangram is one of the oldest and most popular dissection puzzles in the world. Originating in China, it consists of seven flat pieces called "tans" that are put together to form shapes. The objective is to form a specific shape using all seven pieces without overlapping.

The seven pieces include:

• 5 triangles (2 large, 1 medium, 2 small)
• 1 square
• 1 parallelogram

These pieces can be arranged to form thousands of different figures, from simple geometric shapes to complex silhouettes of animals, people, and objects.

Tips for Tangram Success

Here are some strategies to help you solve Tangram puzzles more effectively:

• Start with the largest pieces: Place the large triangles first to establish the main structure
• Look for right angles: Identify right angles in the silhouette and use the appropriate pieces
• Consider rotations and flips: Remember that pieces can be rotated and the parallelogram can be flipped
• Work from the outside in: Start by defining the outline of the shape
• Practice with simpler shapes: Begin with basic geometric shapes before attempting more complex silhouettes

Tangram Through History

Tangram has a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty in China (960-1279 AD). The puzzle gained international popularity in the early 19th century when trading ships brought it to America and Europe. Since then, it has been a beloved educational tool and recreational activity across cultures.

Today, Tangram puzzles are used in schools to teach geometry, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. They're also enjoyed by puzzle enthusiasts of all ages around the world.