A tetrad is a union of four (simply connected) congruent shapes that are placed without overlapping in such a way that each shape shares some boundary (of positive measure) with each of the other three shapes.
No tetrad can be made out of four congruent convex regions.
Several examples exist (for both the symmetric and asymmetric case) of curved tiles with only one vertex, four copies of which form a simply connected tetrad. This is the lowest number of vertices per tile known for this problem. One is also the absolute minimum of vertices per tile, because whenever three shapes meet at one point, at least one of the three boundary lines must have a vertex (cusp) at this point. Hence a simply connected tetrad cannot be constructed from four tiles (congruent or not) that have smoothly rounded boundaries.
One can tile the plane with a simply connected tetrad formed from congruent tiles; see examples.
Tetrads where the four shapes join without gaps (i.e., simply connected tetrads).
Tetrads consisting of four congruent shapes. Such a tetrad is called a congruent tetrad for short.
Simply connected tetrads consisting of four congruent shapes. This is a combination of the two conditions above. Some polysquare reptiles can form such simply connected congruent tetrads. There are also some polyiamond and polytan solutions to this mathematical puzzle. It is still an unsolved problem whether a simply connected congruent tetrad can be convex.
Tetrads consisting of four similar shapes (i.e., figures of same shape, but with different sizes). Such a tetrad is called a similar tetrad for short. In contrast to congruent tetrads, a simply connected similar tetrad can be convex; even better: it can have the shape of a square.
From the previous paragraphs you see that the following properties of tetrads are worth investigating:
Does the tetrad have gaps or is it simply connected?
Are its four parts congruent/similar/neither?
Are its four parts symmetric/asymmetric?
Are its four parts polysquares/polyiamonds/polytans/polyhexes/other?
Can the four parts have curved outlines/partly curved outlines/fractal outlines?
If the four parts are partially curved, how many vertices do the parts need at least? Can you find a solution for any given number of vertices? This game shows examples of convex simply connected tetrads with pieces which have any number of vertices apart from 2, 3, or 5. Can one find solutions for these three missing cases?
Is the outline of the tetrad convex or not?
Can the outline be a square?
Is the tetrad symmetric or asymmetric?
How many vertices does the outline of a tetrad have at least?
Do the tiles have to have straight lines as part of their outline?
Can the plane be tiled with tetrads formed from congruent (or similar) tiles? For both questions, the answer is yes. However, one could impose further conditions like symmetry of the tiles or number of vertices given. Not all resulting mathematical problems have been solved yet. However, the examples in this game will answer many of them. Have fun exploring; maybe you can invent a few new tetrads!
Tetrad number 16 was found by Frank Rubin; tetrad number 17 was found by Scott Kim.
All others are by the author.
- the author's book,
A Puzzling Journey to the Reptiles and Related Animals- the author's Zillions game, "Tetrads"
- problem 684 in
The Journal of Recreational Mathematics, 1979
