# 3 Squares Matchsticks

How can you move 3 matchsticks in order to make the above figure balance symmetrically?

Note: Cutting through the center of gravity of the new figure must make 2 equal halves or sets (i.e. we seek reflectional symmetry of the figure).

• What kind of symmetry are we aiming for? Left/right? Top/bottom? Rotational? EDIT: Also, do the heads of the matches count as part of the symmetry? – Leafy Greens Oct 15 '16 at 20:49
• @LeafyGreens 360degrees-Yes – TSLF Oct 15 '16 at 20:58
• The match heads have to be symmetrical? – Leafy Greens Oct 15 '16 at 21:03
• Need to balance – TSLF Oct 15 '16 at 21:05

This has 180 degree rotation symmetry. Any line drawn through the center would create two congruent halves, with matchstick heads taken into account.

Like this? Seems pretty symmetrical to me.

• Gah, you beat me while I was trying to format my post DX – Leafy Greens Oct 15 '16 at 21:01
• If by symmetrical the OP means "mirrored", then no, it's not (he said the match heads count, although the statement was pretty vague about it). – Alenanno Oct 15 '16 at 21:30
• Given what OP said, I now believe the real problem is constructing a figure such that any line drawn through the center divides it into congruent halves i.e. it should have 180 degree rotational symmetry. I update my answer. – greenturtle3141 Oct 15 '16 at 21:35
• The snail figure is correct! – TSLF Oct 15 '16 at 21:41

Before:

       _      _|_|_    |_| |_|

After:

     _ _      |_|_|      |_|_|

• The "window" figure will tilt like the plus sigh – TSLF Oct 15 '16 at 21:04
• @TSLF I don't understand what you mean. What do you mean by "tilt"? – Leafy Greens Oct 15 '16 at 21:05
• I cant see the heads but mostly that figure isn't symmetrically balanced. Cutting through c,g. gives equal rotational or mirrored halves – TSLF Oct 15 '16 at 21:10
• You absolutely need to specify that the heads count. – greenturtle3141 Oct 15 '16 at 21:20
• "center of gravity" includes everything in this lateral thinking-puzzle – TSLF Oct 16 '16 at 4:55