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Puzzles

One activity that many of our members enjoy is puzzling! You can test yourself for fun with our brainteasers. Our quizzes and conundrums are updated regularly, so do check back on the page for the latest content, and if you get really good at them, why not find out what your IQ is by booking a Mensa Supervised IQ Test?

6/3/25 – Plank

A man takes 24 seconds to cut a piece of wood into four pieces, using only cuts that cut along the width of the plank at right angles to the longer sides.

Assuming all things are equal, he says it is not possible to cut 10 pieces within a minute – is he correct?

Puzzle courtesy of Mensa member Peter Hooton

  • Show Answer

He is correct – it requires 72 seconds.

To make 4 pieces takes 3 cuts.

Therefore, it is 8 seconds per cut.

To make 10 pieces we require 9 cuts = 9 x 8 = 72 secs

Puzzles for business use

We are also able to supply puzzle content to businesses, tailored to your needs. This can range from one-off media projects for marketing campaigns and content for newspapers, magazines and company websites, to long-running partnerships and licensing agreements.

Find out more by contacting our marketing team, via: communications@mensa.org.uk