My AI Fail of The Day [View all]

Was feeling lazy, so turned to AI for quick answer to how many 17x20” rectangles could be cut from a 4x8’ plywood piece (making shelves).

First asked Perplexity, which has the virtue of showing its references. I was told that: “Based on the search results, the number of 17x20 inch rectangles that can be cut from a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood is approximately 20”

This seemed a bit high, as the area of a plywood sheet is 32 sqft, and 20 17x20 inch pieces is about 47 sqft. Alternative universe I guess.

So tried ChatGPT which confidentially (after explaining how to convert feet to inches) stated that “you can cut 8 rectangles of size 17x20 inches from a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood.”

This is sorta true (as would have been a reply of 1 or 2 or 6).

The correct answer, which I got off my butt and figured out, is 10.

This is using a cut plan of
long edge: 3@20 and 2@17
short edge: 2@17 and 2@20

However, in fairness to ChatGPT, I reframed my question to what I *actually* meant which was “what is the maximum number of 17x20 inch rectangles that can be cut from a sheet of 4x8 foot plywood”

After explaining that “To maximize the number of 17x20 inch rectangles that can be cut from a sheet of 4x8 foot plywood, we need to arrange the rectangles efficiently without wasting much material. This often involves tiling the rectangles in a grid pattern.”

GPT then again gave the previous incorrect answer “therefore, the maximum number of 17x20 inch rectangles that can be cut from a sheet of 4x8 foot plywood while fully utilizing the material is 8”

Also, to be fair, if simply ask the Box Store person to cut the sheet (no way at home for me to cut the plywood), likely would end up with 8. Will take my cutplan and end up with 10—Which I *hope* is correct so don't look to be an idiot.

In any event, doubt that will be going home with TWENTY