Matchstick puzzle
Appearance
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Matchstick_puzzle_examples.svg/280px-Matchstick_puzzle_examples.svg.png)
1. | Picture puzzle | Move 3 matchsticks to make the fish face right |
---|---|---|
2. | Roman numerals | Move 1 matchstick to make the equation valid |
3. | Shape counting | Move 2 matchsticks to make 5 squares |
4. | Arithmetic | Move 1 matchstick to make the equation valid |
Matchstick puzzles are rearrangement puzzles in which a number of matchsticks are arranged as squares, rectangles or triangles. The problem to solve is usually formulated as: "move n matchsticks to make m squares, triangles, or rectangles". Some match stick problems are solved with planar topological graphs.[1][dubious – discuss]
Other matchstick puzzles require lateral thinking and are not just about making geometric shapes.
Different three-dimensional matchstick arrangements are also possible[2] as puzzles held together with friction.
References
- ^ Weisstein, Eric W. "Match Problem". Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- ^ Delft, Pieter van (1978). Creative puzzles of the world. New York: H.N. Abrams. ISBN 0810921529.