Roman Numeral Matchstick Equations
Move one matchstick in a Roman numeral 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 Roman numerals into a visual game.
Learn the methodRead guide
Roman Numeral Matchstick Equations
These puzzles turn Roman numerals 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.
This page uses I, V, and X, together with +, −, and =. Sticks snap onto fixed guides inside each numeral cell; only those standard shapes are accepted as valid numerals.
Rules
A legal move always has two parts: take one existing match away, then place that same match somewhere else.
The table below shows the matchstick shapes for these puzzles. The operator rows (+, −, =) follow the same one-move patterns as on Matchstick Equations. The numerals (I, V, X) summarise typical effects when a match is moved around the whole equation (not only inside one cell).
| 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.
Use the interactive board to test ideas quickly and check whether your final equation is both recognised and true.