Let’s think about this step by step.
The grid has two parts:
- The top part shows the months: JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, JUNE in the first row, and JUL, AUG, SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC in the second row.
- Below that, there are numbers from 1 to 31 arranged in rows — like a calendar date grid.
The question asks:
“Can you cover the squares so that only today’s month and date are showing?”
That means we need to hide (cover) every square EXCEPT:
- One square with the current month (like “MAY” if today is May)
- One square with today’s date (like “15” if today is the 15th)
But here’s the catch:
Look at how the grid is shaped. It’s not a perfect rectangle — some corners are missing because of the diamond border pattern. Specifically:
- In the month section: All 12 months are present — no missing squares there.
- In the date section: Numbers go up to 31, but notice:
- Row 1 of dates: 1 to 7 → all there
- Row 2: 8 to 14 → all there
- Row 3: 15 to 21 → all there
- Row 4: 22 to 28 → all there
- Row 5: 29, 30, 31 → but after 31, the grid cuts off — which is fine since there’s no 32.
So actually,
all dates from 1 to 31 are present, and
all 12 months are present.
Now, can we cover everything except one month and one date?
Yes — because each month is in its own square, and each date is in its own square. We can physically cover (with paper, hand, etc.) all other squares, leaving just the two we want visible.
There’s no rule saying we can’t cover multiple squares or that the shape prevents it. The irregular border doesn’t remove any needed squares — it just frames them.
So, regardless of what today’s month and date are (as long as the date is between 1–31 and the month is one of the 12), we can always cover the rest.
Example: If today is March 10:
- Cover all months except “MAR”
- Cover all dates except “10”
It works.
Final Answer: Yes
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of pentomino puzzle worksheet.
