Can Two Rectangles Form a Disjoint Union of Six?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical assertion that the union of any two rectangles in the x-y plane can form a disjoint union of at most six rectangles. Participants are challenged to provide an example demonstrating a disjoint union of six rectangles, as the current findings only yield a maximum of five rectangles. The conversation highlights the need for clarity regarding the properties of the rectangles involved, such as whether they are closed or open.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometric concepts, specifically rectangles.
  • Familiarity with the properties of unions in set theory.
  • Knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate system.
  • Basic principles of mathematical proofs and counterexamples.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of closed and open rectangles in geometry.
  • Explore mathematical proofs related to unions of geometric shapes.
  • Study examples of disjoint unions in higher-dimensional spaces.
  • Investigate the implications of rectangle intersections and their geometric representations.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying geometric unions and set theory will benefit from this discussion.

AxiomOfChoice
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Consider any two rectangles in the x-y plane. I have a book that asserts that the union of any two such rectangles is the DISJOINT union of AT MOST SIX rectangles. I've been sketching rectangles and simply can't come up with an example that demands SIX rectangles in the disjoint union. The most I can find is FIVE. Can someone come up with an example of two rectangles whose union is a disjoint union of six rectangles? Thanks!
 
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Is there no more information? Are the rectangles closed, open, etc?

What is your 5-rect solution?
 

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