Matchstick puzzles are a type of logic puzzle that involves arranging matchsticks (or similar objects) to form specific shapes or solve mathematical equations by moving, adding, or removing matches. These puzzles have a long history, with origins tracing back to ancient China, where they were initially created using bamboo sticks.
Today, matchstick puzzles are used in educational settings to engage students in critical thinking and to promote fine motor skills, particularly in younger children. They serve as an engaging way to challenge the mind while also offering educational benefits, making them popular among both children and adults. They can be solved solo or as a group activity, making them versatile for different settings.
Types Matchstick Puzzles
There are two main types of matchstick puzzles:
- Mathematical Equations: Players may need to move a certain number of matchsticks to correct an equation. For example, moving a matchstick from one number to another to create a valid mathematical statement.
- Geometric Shapes: Puzzles often require rearranging matches to form specific geometric figures, such as squares or triangles. For instance, a common task might be to remove matches to leave a certain number of equal shapes.
This post will focus on the first type: math or mathematical equation matchstick puzzles. We will cover the second category in future posts.
The best way to enjoy matchstick puzzles is by solving a few yourself. We’ve curated a huge list of maths matchstick puzzles for you to enjoy. If you find any puzzle challenging, simply click the toggle button below each one to reveal the answer.
Ready? Let’s go….
Maths Matchstick Puzzles
Puzzle # 1:
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the eight and place it on top of one to change it to a seven, as shown in the diagram below. Eight changes to a nine, and the equation becomes: 7 + 2 = 9, which is correct.
Puzzle # 2:
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
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Remove one matchstick from the 8 to turn it into a 6. Then, use the matchstick to create a minus sign before 1, changing the equation to: −1+6=5, which is correct.
While adjusting 5 to form a 9, making the equation 1+8=9 might seem like a possible solution, it’s not ideal because, in matchstick puzzles, the number 9 typically requires a horizontal bar.
Puzzle #3
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the number 7 to the number 1 as shown. This changes the 7 into a 1 and transforms the 1 into a 7, making the equation correct: 1 + 6 = 7.
Puzzle #4
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
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Move one matchstick from the number 4 to form the number 11 as shown. This makes the equation 11 – 9 = 2, which is correct.
Puzzle # 5
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Drop one matchstick from the number 7 to form the number -1 as shown. This makes the equation 3 – 4 = -1, which is correct.
Puzzle #6
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the number 8 on the left-hand side to transform the number 9 on the right-hand side into an 8. This changes the initial 8 on the left-hand side into a 6. The equation then becomes 6 + 2 = 8, which is correct.
Puzzle #7
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
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Move the middle matchstick in the number 6 to form a 0 as shown. This makes the equation 8 + 0 = 8, which is correct.
Puzzle #8
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the addition (+) sign to the number 9, transforming it into an 8. The equation then becomes 8 – 7 = 1, which is correct.
Puzzle #9
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the 8 on the left-hand side to the 6 on the right-hand side. This changes the 8 into a 9 and the 6 into an 8. The equation then becomes 9 – 1 = 8, which is correct.
Puzzle #10
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move one matchstick from the 9 on the left-hand side to the 9 on the right-hand side as shown in the diagram. This transforms the 9 on the left into a 3, and the 9 on the right into an 8. The equation then changes to 3 + 5 = 8, which is correct.
Puzzle #11
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
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Move a stick from 6 (right side) to 5 (left side) of the equation. This changes 5 to 9 and 6 to 5. The equation then becomes 9 – 4 = 5, which is correct.
Puzzle # 12
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
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Remove a stick from 7 to form -1 (right side). The equation then changes to 1 – 2 = -1, which is correct.
Puzzle # 13
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Remove a stick from 9 (left side) and add it to 5 (right side) as shown in the diagram. This changes 9 to 3 and 5 to 9. The equation then becomes 3 + 6 = 9, which is correct.
Puzzle #14
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move a stick from the addition (+) sign to 1, transforming it into a 7. The equation then becomes 7 – 5 = 2, which is correct.
Puzzle # 15
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Move a stick from 4 (left side) to form 11. The equation then becomes 11 – 5 = 6, which is correct.
Puzzle #16
Move a single matchstick to make the mathematical equation correct.
Show Answer
Remove a stick from 9 to create -1 as shown. The 9 changes to 3, and the equation becomes -1 + 3 = 2.
Puzzle #17
Move 2 sticks to make the mathematical equation right.
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Move 2 sticks from 3, using one to change the subtraction sign (-) into an equal sign (=) and the other to turn the 1 (right side) into a 7.
Puzzle #18
Move 2 sticks to make the mathematical equation right.
Show Answer
Move 2 sticks from 9: use one stick to change the subtraction sign (-) into an addition sign (+), and the other stick to transform the new shape of 9 (which now looks like a 3) into a 2.
Puzzle #19
Move 2 sticks to make the mathematical equation right.
Show Answer
Move 2 sticks from 5: use one stick to change 1 (right side) into a 7, and the other stick to transform the new shape of 5 into a 4 as shown. The equation then becomes 7 – 3 = 4.
Moving 2 Matchsticks to Form Squares
Move only two matchsticks to form two squares
Show Answer
Move the two matchsticks as shown in the picture below
How many have you gotten right? Congratulations! Whatever your score, it doesn’t really matter. The math matchstick puzzles we’ve included here are meant to offer a fun and engaging way to challenge your problem-solving skills. Keep practicing, and you’ll continue to improve your ability to think creatively and logically when solving these clever puzzles.