Questions tagged [matches]
A puzzle from 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional geometry centered around matchsticks, often involving moving, adding, or removing some to achieve some defined goal.
105
questions
11
votes
1
answer
847
views
Odd solutions are in 3d
This puzzle is part of the Monthly Topic Challenge #11: Now in 3D.
You are given a collection of sticks which are straight lines of length 1. Two such sticks can be attached to each other at their end ...
- 1,319
15
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Add 3 matches to make 6 squares
This puzzle appeared at the UQ Mobile store at Shibuya Scramble Square:
マッチ棒でできた六角形にマッチ棒を
3本追加して正方形を6つ作りなさい
Add 3 matches to this (a regular hexagon made out of 6 matches) to produce 6 squares.
No ...
- 6,954
2
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Matchstick Puzzle: 6758-267=3519
Move exactly 3 matches to correct the equation.
Reads 6758-267=3519
There are no spaces, just some room for possible matches. In the end we ignore all spaces. Digits that are not seperated by a plus, ...
- 161
0
votes
2
answers
155
views
Add a line and fix the typo
My dad has invented a new puzzle genre called “add a line and fix the typo”, but due to his senility I can’t be 100% sure this was a deliberate effort on his part. Last week he showed me a puzzle and ...
- 7,240
4
votes
6
answers
655
views
Use 12 unit length matchsticks to enclose a region whose area is 4 square units [closed]
I do not know the original source of this problem; I have seen it a few places. The solution that I have seen is not pretty in the sense that it lacks symmetry. Can you find an elegant solution? Of ...
- 4,795
4
votes
2
answers
402
views
Number to Country Conversion
Move 3 matchsticks from the number 808 to form the name of a country
- 4,848
4
votes
3
answers
378
views
Move two matches so that no triangle remains [closed]
This puzzle comes from Nobuyuki Yoshigahara. Move two matches so that no triangle remains. There are at least five different solutions. How many solutions can you find?
You can’t burn the matches. ...
- 4,795
0
votes
2
answers
331
views
Make 65-57=91 correct by moving one matchstick [closed]
65 - 57 = 91
Not sure how to make this correct by only moving one matchstick.
user79647
-1
votes
7
answers
246
views
The smallest and the largest number [closed]
Shown below is number 10 formed with 5 sticks.
1 Move exactly 1 stick to get the smallest non-zero positive number.
2 Move exactly 1 stick to get the largest non zero positive number.
Some creative ...
- 39.1k
6
votes
4
answers
836
views
Paris and Wife Matchstick
Here are two matches dates that I hold with love in my heart:
The current sum is 1970 + 1997 = 3967.
You must requisition at most 10 matches so that the sum is "as big as possible". We will ...
- 5,961
6
votes
3
answers
1k
views
This is... to me! (Matches Puzzle)
Make these two "equivalent" equations true by simply moving (changing the position of) exactly three lines (per equation). The equations are two different representations of the same (what I ...
- 27.4k
3
votes
12
answers
2k
views
This is taking too long! [closed]
Move two lines to make the equation true.
As always, no inequality symbol (≠), adding, and subtracting lines. Move the lines only.
Hint 1:
Hint 2:
- 1,378
4
votes
1
answer
189
views
Another Matchstick riddle(not puzzle)
Here are the rules in order to manipulate the matchsticks:
You are required to move exactly 3 matchsticks.
You may rotate any whole symbol(circled in blue)or number as many times as required.
Most ...
- 399
9
votes
1
answer
325
views
Matchstick Riddle
Disclaimer: This is a matchstick riddle, not puzzle. Oh, and everything is a clue.
Only enter an answer if: it is original. Then, you can release the answer you think it is.
- 399
-1
votes
1
answer
118
views
What are all the possible transitions between matchstick numbers?
If these are all the matchstick numbers:
...
- 3,041
7
votes
13
answers
4k
views
Yet another matchstick puzzle: 14 = 5 [closed]
Is the expression below correct? No. But I never take no for an answer.
Your task is to make the expression true by moving exactly two matchsticks.
As usual, inequalities are not allowed. So is ...
- 26.4k
3
votes
6
answers
754
views
Play with matchsticks
By moving only 1 matchstick make the equation correct (not equal and > and < are not allowed).
- 1,006
21
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Complex Matchstick puzzle
This is my toughest invention so far, not sure if it's already been done but here it goes.
Move a single stick to obtain a correct equality. (To be clear: the stick needs to be moved and placed down ...
- 670
13
votes
10
answers
3k
views
A simple Matchstick puzzle [closed]
Here is a simple matchstick puzzle. Some creative thinking may be needed.
Make the equation below correct by moving only one matchstick. The use of > or < or not equal to is not allowed. You can'...
- 39.1k
13
votes
2
answers
722
views
You don't want to sell me matchsticks
Fix the image before completing the sequence. What do I want you to draw your attention to?
103, 91, 79, 0, x, x, 28, x, x, x, 0, 78, x, x, x, x, x, x, 5
Hints:
- 10.1k
18
votes
3
answers
2k
views
A cinematic masterpiece in matchsticks
Polanski's magnificent Chinatown (my all-time fourth favourite film) was produced among numerous other movies by Robert Evans, the second anniversary of whose death is today1.
What better excuse for a ...
- 5,322
11
votes
6
answers
1k
views
Matchstick Puzzle 4971 [closed]
Rewriting the puzzle in text:
Move exactly 2 matchsticks to make this equality true:
4 + 9 - 7 = 1
Important Points:
By the word 'move', I would also like to allow the possibility of 'remove', to ...
- 213
9
votes
5
answers
1k
views
Minimize 1×3 tiles on a 5×5 table to block any more 1×3 tiles
What is the minimum number of 1×3 tiles that can be put on a 5×5 table so that no more 1×3 tiles can be put on it?
Borders of a tiles are parallel to sides of the table.
It is 5 but I can not prove ...
- 880
12
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How many matchsticks need to be removed so there are no equilateral triangles?
The puzzle is as follows [with minor copy edits for grammar]:
By only using matchsticks of equal length a set of equilateral triangles has been built as indicated in the figure from below. With that ...
- 1,535
3
votes
2
answers
568
views
Matches to move in order to get right roman numeral over fifty
The riddle is as follows:
The figure from below represents a set of roman numerals wrote in such
a way that the sum is not correct.
The numbers are arranged as:
50+12=51
How many matches minimum ...
- 1,535
0
votes
6
answers
455
views
Move 3 matches to maximize triangles
The problem is as follows:
The figure from below shows 9 matches. If only 3 of them are changed
from their positions, then what is the most number of triangles that can be
made?
The alternatives ...
- 1,535
4
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Move 2 matchsticks to make the equation correct, and give 3 ways to do so
I am trying to solve the following matchsticks puzzle:
Move two matches to make the following correct: You also have to give 3 ways to do so.
Despite trying my best to solve this, I wasn't able to ...
- 879
5
votes
5
answers
1k
views
Matchsticks: Fix the Equation
Here's a simple puzzle I just created:
Move just one matchstick to fix the next equation:
- 2,253
5
votes
11
answers
2k
views
Matchstick Problem: Turn 1 into 12 by removing a matchstick [closed]
Below are some matchsticks arranged to display an expression.
Your task is to remove one matchstick so that the resulting value of the expression will be twelve.
- 13k
4
votes
2
answers
196
views
How many steps for matchstick-Lychrel numbers?
The Lychrel number is famous in the recreational mathematics. The process about the Lychrel numbers reverses arrangement of the previous number.
Mimicking Lychrel numbers, I would like to devise ...
- 4,169
9
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Matchstick rearrangement: Zero to Hero
Below is an expression that has a value of 0.
How can you move only three matchsticks for the resulting value to be 49?
- 13k
5
votes
2
answers
994
views
Move just one match
Make a correct equation by just moving one matchstick!
This is the source. Spoiler--source reveals answer.
- 448
4
votes
3
answers
516
views
Moving matches to produce largest possible number
María Lucía Uribe´s recent match-moving puzzle (Move matches and make largest possible number) begs for the following matter to be settled once and for all.
If each of the numbers from 100 to 999 is ...
- 16.8k
7
votes
11
answers
2k
views
Move matches and make largest possible number
a) Move three matches to make the largest possible number.
b) Do so moving four matches.
3
votes
3
answers
777
views
Matchstick puzzle that may or may not have a solution
Can you find a solution by only changing (moving) one stick?
From my point of view I think I systematically exhausted all possible configs and I couldn't find a solution, so I think there is no ...
- 71
6
votes
7
answers
1k
views
Math-stick problem [closed]
Here are 6 matchsticks.
You should rearrange them, to make nothing
But you should not waste or get other matchsticks
- 1,147
12
votes
2
answers
504
views
What was Matt's matchstick puzzle?
Something rather funny happened at our Puzzlers' meet the other day.
"Oh hey buddy, can you hand me exactly 18 matchsticks? I wanna show you this new matchstick puzzle I came up with." Matt ...
- 18.3k
39
votes
7
answers
7k
views
9-5=5? Matchstick problem
Move one matchstick to make an equality.
Question made by me (Is this too easy?)
- 5,570
9
votes
5
answers
636
views
Move just 2 matchsticks to make three equally sized triangles
There are 9 equally sized matchsticks, move 2 to make 3 equal triangles
- 107
4
votes
10
answers
743
views
Matchsticks 9 + 9 = 8 [closed]
You are given the wrong equation (made out of matchsticks) 9 + 9 = 8 and you can move at most 3 matches. Your aim is to find all possible correct equations. Selected answer will be one that discovers ...
- 5,961
5
votes
5
answers
269
views
Move two matches (no [lateral-thinking])
Move two matches to make the following equation correct:
Despite it commonly applying to puzzles of this kind, there is no [lateral-thinking] tag here, so no spelling out numbers, no turning the ...
- 1,062
28
votes
7
answers
6k
views
Unexpectedly Difficult Matchstick Problem
The words say:
听说只有智商高达200的人才有办法打出来 (only people with 200 iq can solve this).
只移动1根火柴让算式成立 (move only one match to satisfy the equation)
note: it is not my puzzle and i do not know the solution
- 449
18
votes
1
answer
759
views
Which number is next? [closed]
Which number will be in the next Box?
*Just do not triffle that the numbers are in lighting match format.
- 535
8
votes
7
answers
6k
views
6+8=71 move two matches
How can I make this equation true by moving two matches?
It's in a game "Smart Puzzles" - it's called Matches, and there are about 13 different games in it.
Additional images - my attempts
- 89
-1
votes
1
answer
263
views
Matchstick Puzzle [closed]
Move two matchsticks to make 2 E's. (The Matchsticks cannot be stacked onto each other).
- 1
1
vote
15
answers
15k
views
What is ls Largest Number Formed by only moving two sticks in 508?
Tilting the Image is not allowed.
You can cannot change order of digits.
You cannot change the Size if Digits unless you are harry potter.
You can increase or decrease space between digits though.
...
- 245
1
vote
5
answers
2k
views
Move 2 matches to solve this equation, 28 + 3 = 26
Please help me solve this equation, 28 + 3 = 26, I tried plus and minus equations, but I can't seem to solve this puzzle
8
votes
7
answers
3k
views
Matchstick puzzle with roman numerals
I got a puzzle from a book that asks to move one matchstick to get a valid equation. My "solutions"
feels like cheating... Does anyone have a good idea? The original equation, layed out with matches, ...
- 183
11
votes
1
answer
530
views
Three sticks, three squares
There are 5 squares in this puzzle as shown in picture we have to pick only three match sticks resulting formation of exactly 3 squares. which numbers of sticks should be removed from the formation ...
10
votes
13
answers
5k
views
A Matchstick puzzle with a little twist
Here is a matchstick puzzle with TWO (possibly more) solutions.
There are two types of matchsticks.
1 Short (eight and = sign) Total 9
2 Long ( All ones) Total 4
Please move 3 matchsticks and ...
- 39.1k