Check Out This Incredible Math Trick

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The discussion revolves around a math trick involving the creation of a shape that resembles a rectangle. It highlights that for the shape to be a true rectangle, the slopes of the triangles involved must be equal, which they are not in this case. The slopes of the red and green triangles (3/8) differ from the slopes of the other shapes (2/5), confirming that the shape cannot be classified as a rectangle. Participants also explore the area of a triangle within the shape, questioning its vertices and area calculations. Ultimately, the trick is entertaining but mathematically flawed.
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Sorry if this has been posted. Thought it was cool!
http://www.wimp.com/crazymath/
 
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Bit different version of a old rube.

For the created shape to be a rectangle you need to have the slopes of the red and green triangles (3/8) be equal to the slope of the angle of the other 2 shapes (2/5).

Since .4 <> .375 that is not a rectangle and you cannot get the area by multiplying sides.
 


But still amusing!
 


Integral said:
Bit different version of a old rube.

For the created shape to be a rectangle you need to have the slopes of the red and green triangles (3/8) be equal to the slope of the angle of the other 2 shapes (2/5).

Since .4 <> .375 that is not a rectangle and you cannot get the area by multiplying sides.

So is it safe to say that in the 5x13 "rectangle", there is a triangle of area ONE unit with a vertex in the top right corner and two vertices near the bottom left corner?

edit...
No, that can't be right, since the slope changes from 3/8 to 2/5...
So vertices:
1) top right corner (13, 5)
2) at "point" (5,2)
3) bottom left corner (0,0)
 

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