Question:medium

Which set of pieces can form a full circle, if rotation of pieces is not permitted?

Show Hint

In shape assembly puzzles, first check the fundamental geometry. To form a circle, all outer boundaries must be circular arcs of the same radius, and all inner vertices must meet at a single central point. All pieces must be true sectors.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

A full circle needs pieces whose central angles add up to exactly \(360^{\circ}\), so a fast check is to estimate each piece's angle and add them up for every set.

In sets A, B and C, at least one piece is not a clean sector, it has a straight edge cutting across a curve or an uneven width, so its angle is not well defined and the pieces cannot close up into a smooth circle no matter how they are pushed together.

In set D, all four pieces look like equal quarter-slices, each contributing \(90^{\circ}\), and \(90^{\circ} + 90^{\circ} + 90^{\circ} + 90^{\circ} = 360^{\circ}\), which is exactly a full turn.

Since only set D gives four genuine sector angles that sum to \(360^{\circ}\) with matching radii, it is the set that completes the circle.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Show Solution

Approach Solution -2

A different check is to compare the curve radius of each piece within a set, since pieces from a single circle must all curve at the same distance from the centre; if even one piece has a tighter or wider curve than the rest, the set cannot form one smooth circle.

  1. Set A: the yellow triangle's curved base has a different curvature to the red and blue sectors, so it would leave either a gap or an overlap along the rim.
  2. Set B: the green piece's concave edge curves the opposite way to the other three, so it cannot sit flush along the same circle.
  3. Set C: the yellow and green pieces again show a curvature mismatch against the red and blue sectors, breaking the smooth rim.
  4. Set D: all four curved edges share the same radius, so laid edge to edge they trace one unbroken circular rim with no gap or overlap.

Only set D keeps a single consistent radius across all four pieces, which is what lets them close into a full circle without being rotated.

Therefore, the correct answer is Set D.

Was this answer helpful?
0