# Forming Squares or Rectangles from a Group of Squares and/or Rectangles Problem

If, as the problem says, all it needs is for the group of figures to form either a square OR a rectangle, then doesn't all 4 choices allow you to form either a rectangle or square?

In the answer key though, it says that the answer is (C). However, can't the figures in (C) form a rectangle in this formation:

B B S
B B S

where B stands for the bigger rectangle and and S is the smaller rectangle?

We are quite confused with this and would appreciate any help. Thanks

• The answer is $A$. You are right about $C$. Personally, I distrust answer keys as they are rarely perfect. – Mohammad Zuhair Khan Jul 6 '18 at 15:46
• What are the side lengths of each rectangle? – Connor Harris Jul 6 '18 at 15:53
• Hi, thanks for the quick reply. But can't the figures in letter A also form a big rectangle as you can stack those 2 thin horizontal pieces on top of each other? No side lengths were given too – RC Wong Jul 6 '18 at 15:56

You are correct. For $C$ there are many solutions, for example $SBBBBS$ would work as well. However it seems that $A$ is problematic unless the middle sized rectangles can cover the length of the longer one.