Daily Math Puzzle: 2026-09-10

10 poles — This puzzle requires a clever spatial arrangement. If the three square enclosures were entirely isolated from each other (not sharing any points or lines), each would need 4 corner poles, totaling 3 x 4 = 12 poles. However, the term 'separate' often implies no shared walls, but allows for sharing a single corner point, as long as the enclosures' interiors do not overlap and animals cannot pass between them without leaving an enclosure. The minimum number of poles can be achieved by arranging the three squares diagonally, such that each square touches the next only at a single corner point. Imagine the squares laid out on a grid: Square 1 (top-left): uses poles (P1, P2, P3, P4). Square 2 (middle): is placed such that its bottom-left corner is P4, and its top-right corner is P6. It uses poles (P4, P5, P6, P7). Square 3 (bottom-right): is placed such that its bottom-left corner is P6, and its top-right corner is P9. It uses poles (P6, P8, P9, P10). Let's visualize the unique poles for this diagonal arrangement: 1. Square 1 requires 4 unique poles (let's call them A, B, C, D). 2. Square 2 is placed such that one of its corners is 'D' (from Square 1). It then needs 3 new unique poles (E, F, G). 3. Square 3 is placed such that one of its corners is 'F' (from Square 2). It then needs 3 new unique poles (H, I, J). Total unique poles = 4 (for Square 1) + 3 (new for Square 2) + 3 (new for Square 3) = 10 poles. In this configuration: - Square 1 and Square 2 share only one corner pole. - Square 2 and Square 3 share only one corner pole. - Square 1 and Square 3 do not share any poles. This arrangement ensures the enclosures are 'separate' (no shared walls) while minimizing the number of poles. The entire setup can still be covered by a single rectangular tarp.