Matchstick Equations
Move one matchstick in a number equation to make it true, or to keep it true.
Start solving
Pick a puzzle below — each one has an interactive simulator you can play right away.
These puzzles turn arithmetic into a visual game.
Learn the methodRead guide
Matchstick Equations
These puzzles turn arithmetic into a visual game.
Each equation is built from matchsticks. Your task is to move exactly one matchstick so that the statement either becomes true or remains true, depending on the instruction.
Most problems on this page use seven-segment digits together with the plus, minus, and equals signs.
Rules
A legal move always has two parts: take one existing match away, then place that same match somewhere else.
A useful way to start is to scan the equation for symbols that can change after adding or removing one match. The table below shows those one-match possibilities using the same matchstick shapes as the puzzles.
| Character | Transforms to | Add match to get... | Remove match to get... |
|---|---|---|---|
Use the columns like this:
- Transforms to: you can move one match within the same symbol to turn it into one of these.
- Add match to get...: if a match is moved into this symbol, it can become one of these.
- Remove match to get...: if a match is moved out of this symbol, it can become one of these.
When solving, it helps to think in pairs. If one symbol loses a match, another symbol must gain it. So look for combinations that change both the value of the equation and the validity of the symbols.
Use the interactive panel to test ideas quickly and check whether your final equation is both recognised and true.