The good news is that people are returning to work as countries across the world start to reopen, yet many are still stuck at home, still stricken with the lockdown blues.
Perhaps we can help make that situation more bearable with something fun to occupy your mind. Rather than waste hours on Facebook or playing video games, why not sharpen your logic skills with a tricky matchstick math puzzle?
Back in the day, before the advent of smart devices and the internet, people had to come up with creative ways to stave off boredom—such as with card games, or puzzles like this one, which use nothing more than a few matchsticks. Yet, don’t let that deceive you; it’s a lot more challenging and interesting than you might give it credit for. If you don’t believe it, give it a try!
Matchstick Puzzle 1.
The challenge for you is this: You may move one, and only one, matchstick to correct the equation. You may move it anywhere you like, as long as the equation is correct when you are finished. Give it a try. When you think you have the correct answer, or if you are completely stumped, scroll down below to see the right answer.
Here is the match that you need to move:
Here is where you need to move it:
And, presto! Here is the final answer:
Matchstick Puzzle 2.
As you can see, this one is a little bit longer. It’s also trickier, so try thinking outside the box.
Same as before, you may move only one matchstick to correct the equation. Take a moment to solve it for yourself. Once you think you have the right answer, or when you’re ready to throw in the towel, scroll down below to see the answer.
Here is the match that you need to move:
Here is where you need to move it:
And, just like magic, here is the final answer:
That was challenging, wasn’t it? If you solved it correctly, great work!
Matchstick Puzzle: Bonus Round
When you’re ready to see the correct answer, scroll down below.
Here are the matchsticks that you need to move:
Move the matchsticks like so:
Voila! Here is the number 10 ... in Roman numerals!
