Math Monday: Hexagonal stick arrangements

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Math Monday: Hexagonal stick arrangements

By George Hart for the Museum of Mathematics

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Interpenetrating hexagonal arrangements of sticks are a challenging mathematical exercise to assemble from pencils. Four different directions are used, as color-coded here. The above sculpture, 72 Pencils, has tiny dots of glue to hold itself together, but you can easily use eight rubber bands around the ends.

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The idea scales up to larger sizes very nicely, as can be seen in this version made by David Russell from three foot long dowels.

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And what better way to celebrate the joys of mathematics than with a ritual conflagration!

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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