The solution to this puzzle is shown in the
The solution is based on a dissection that uses the step technique, so
named because of the resemblance to stair steps. Girolamo Cardano, an
Italian physician and mathematician, described this dissection in 1663
in his De Rerum Varietate.
Greg N. Frederickson in his Dissections: Plane & Fancy writes: "...In
its simplest form, the step technique cuts a rectangle in a zigzag
pattern, alternating horizontal cuts of one length with vertical cuts
of another. By shifting the two resulting pieces by one step relative
to each other, we form a different rectangle..."