You have four chains of three links each. Although it is difficult to cut the links, you wish to make a single loop with all 12 links.
What is the fewest number of cuts you must make to accomplish this task?
Answer
You will need to make three cuts.
Cut all three links on one chain and separate them. Now you have 3 chains and 3 links. Then, use these 3 individual links to join the other three chains together.