1. This matchstick image of an equation (6 – 4 = 3) is incorrect. Can you correct the equation by moving just one matchstick? All matchsticks must be used.
Solution
2. This matchstick image of an equation (5 + 7 = 2) is incorrect. Can you correct the equation by moving just one matchstick? All matchsticks must be used.
Solution
3. This matchstick image of a Roman numeral equation (6 + 2 = 5) is incorrect. Can you correct the equation by moving one matchstick?
Solution
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VI+II=V
That can also be corrected by 7-2=5
VII-II=V
We removed the other stick from the plus sign and moved it beside VI
Noel, thank you for drawing this to my attention. You are 100% correct and have identified a second solution to the puzzle. Your correction will be included in my next website update. Thank you again and I hope you are enjoing the challenge of my puzzles.
Could the 5 + 7 = 2 also be 5 – 7 = -2
Jodie, thank you for drawing this to my attention. You are 100% correct and have identified a second solution to the puzzle. Your correction will be included in my next website update. Thank you again and I hope you are enjoying the challenge of my puzzles.
For the second problem (5+7=2), an alternative solution is to take a matchstick from the plus sign, and make 2 negative. (5-7=-2)
5+7=2, remove one matchstick from plus sign then add it to 5 it automatically become 9, then 9-7=2
matchsticks
That -2 one was my only guess, couldn’t think of any others
But technically you will need to move the sticks to make space for the negative sign…
I also noticed the same possibility as Jodie.
Just saw this puzzle on a short. This also works:
5-7≠2
7+3=5
Remove the top match from seven and move it to cross the equal sign. 5+1does not equal 2
Thank you for pointing out your solution. You are absolutely correct in a negative sort of way but it was not on my correct solution list.
I prefer that the solutions make the algebra true. Thanks again for keeping me on my toes and hope that you are enjoying the challenge of my puzzles.
5+7>2 is also valid
In 5+7=2 move the top of 7 to 2 so it becomes 5+1=6
Doesn’t work. You’d need to move another matchstick on the 2
5 + 1≠ 2 or 5 – 7 ≠ 2
5+1=6 or 5-7=0
Hi Gorden can you solve 2+5=5
thanks
for 5+7=2, could it be 5+7=12, by taking out one stick from 7 as 7 can still be 7 somehow?
Why is moving the vertical matchstick in puzzle 2 to turn 7 into 9 correct? It is under the horizontal matchstick in the “+” sign, so wouldn’t you have to move both to make that change?
Jenn, in the puzzle 5+7=2 the vertical matchstick in the + sign is moved to make the 5 into a 9…..so 9-7=2. The 7 does not change.
Can you solve this ? 2 + 1 = 6
Can you solve this ? 2 + 1 = 6 .
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