For Geeks & Brainiacs #04- Twelve Matches -
In the illustration below, twelve matches are arranged in the shape of a square with an enclosed area of
NINE square units. Can you rearrange the matches to form a single shape using all twelve matches with an
enclosed area of FOUR square units? The matches may not be placed on top of one another (each match must
contribute towards the perimeter of the shape).
Note: You can rearrange the matchsticks by dragging them around. You can also rotate a match by clicking
on it.
HINT: Try a slightly modified triangle.
ANSWER:
If you rearrange the matches to form a four by three triangle (shown below), you'll have
enclosed an area of six square units.
Now you need to remove two square units. This is done by moving three of the matches inwards (as shown
below) effectively removing two square units from the previous enclosed area of the triangle, yielding the
"magic" four square units of enclosed area.
Do you have a
suggestion for this puzzle (e.g. something that should
be mentioned/clarified in the question or solution, bug, typo, etc.)?