The matchstick equation
✓ With solution
A wrong equation made of matchsticks. Move just one match to make it right.
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Question 1
This matchstick equation is wrong: 5 + 7 = 2. You may move just one match to a new place, without adding or taking away any match.
Which correct equation do you get?
- A5 − 3 = 2
- B9 − 7 = 2
- C6 − 4 = 2
- D5 + 7 = 12
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Answer: B) 9 − 7 = 2. Take the upright match from the plus sign, which turns it into a minus, and put it at the top right of the 5, which turns it into a 9: 9 − 7 = 2. There's a quick way to rule out the other options: count the matches. The original equation uses 17, and moving one match doesn't change that. 9 − 7 = 2 also uses 17, but 5 − 3 = 2 and 6 − 4 = 2 use 18 each, and 5 + 7 = 12 uses 19.
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