Category Archives: Matchsticks

Matchsticks – 4 equal areas

Matchsticks

Matchsticks problems usually fall into one of 2 categories: roman or digital numbers, or geometrical problems. This weeks puzzle is one which belongs to the geometrical group.

Matchsticks puzzle 4 equal areas 2015-12-10 exercise

Add 8 matches to divide this square into 4 areas of equal size and shape. No matches may be broken or cross each other.
This problem is not my own, but i was recently reminded by it by a puzzle on dawies blog.

A new puzzle is posted every friday. You are welcome to comment on the puzzles. Solutions are added at the bottom of a puzzle after one or more weeks.

You can check your solutions here

Matchsticks 11

Matchsticks

Add one matchstick to make an even number. No matchstick may bay be moved.

Matchstick 11 exercise

You can check your solutions here

In these days matchsticks are increasingly harder to come by for a variety of reasons. Of course it is very good that the number of smokers is falling. Those who still yield to this unhealthy habit seem to prefer other ways to light their cigarettes. Other forms of smoking tobacco such as cigars and pipes have also decreased dramatically, at least in my personal surroundings.
In the home matchsticks were mainly used to light the fire for cooking. The introduction of electric cooking has made them largely superfluous.

Luckily, matchstick puzzles can also be made with other materials such as toothpicks and nails (not the ones on your finger, but the ones you beat into wood). There are a fair number of matchstick puzzles on the web, and here is a small selection:

From 5 to 4

Matchsticks, Uncategorized

Consider the following figure:
matches 5 to 4 squares exercise

It is made of 12 matches, it is 1 figure, its circumference is 12 matches long and its surface is 5 squares. Can you reaarange them in such a way that it is still made of 12 matches, thats its circumference is 12 matches long, 1 figure but its surface is just 4 squares large?

You can check your solution here

Matchsticks – make 3 squares

Matchsticks,

1) Make 3 squares*
Matches - 3 squares exercise
Move 2 matches to make 3 squares of equal size.

This problem comes from J.A.H. Hunter

You can check your solution here

Did you know?
Farm-Fresh_brainRecent research shows that learning new skills keeps an aging mind sharp.
Lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas:
It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something—it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially. When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.

Matchsticks – make 10 squares

Matchsticks

Move 5 matchsticks to create exactly 10 squares.

Matchsticks 2x3 to 10 squares exercise

Can you find both solutions?
The credits for this puzzle go to my daughter Margreet. The credits for the second solution go to Kees Krol.

As usual, you are welcome to report your solution times and comment on the solution, but please do not give away the answer – that may spoil the fun for others. I will publish the solution in one or two weeks after posting the puzzle.

You can check your solution here

Matchsticks – divide into 2 equal halves

Matchsticks

1) Divide into equal halves*
Matches - divide into 2 equal parts exercise

 

 

Add 2 matches to divide the figures into two halves of equal size.

This problem comes from Ed Pegg jr, who published it as one of many problems in his column in Japan Airlines inflight magazine, Skyward. I think it is a nice example of an a-symmetric problem. When we design something, e have a natural tendency to design something symmetric. Designing something a-symmetric somehow seems much more difficult.

You can check your solution here