We do not know where this puzzle originated from. If you have any information, please let us know via email.
How many matchsticks do you need to remove so that no squares of any size remain?
Nine matchsticks are enough, as seen from the solution below.
To see that eight matchsticks are not enough, notice that removing an inner matchstick reduces the number of 1×1 squares at most by 2. Since there are 16 such small squares, in order to get rid of them all, we need to remove only inner matchsticks. However, in this case, the large 4×4 square will remain.
You have these fifteen matchsticks. Remove six of them and leave ten.
Remove 6 matchsticks and leave 9 that spell the word TEN.
Move only 2 matchsticks, so that the fly will escape from the trap. The shape of the trap must remain the same.
The solution is shown below.
With 12 matches you can easily create a shape with area 9 and a shape with area 5, as shown on the picture below. Can you rearrange the 12 matchsticks, so that they encompass an area of 4?
Remark: You should have only one resulting shape and no matches should be unused.
First, create a Pythagorean triangle with sides 3, 4, 5, and area 6. Then simply flip its right angle inwards, so that the area decreases by 2.
Move only 2 matchsticks so that you get 4 (identical) squares. There should not be any spare matchsticks left.
The solution is shown below.
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
