Interesting riddles often hide the solution right in plain sight, but our minds can easily overlook the obvious. That’s exactly how matchstick puzzles work: they challenge you to set aside the first idea that comes to mind and look for the solution in unexpected places.
Here’s a new math problem that seems simple at first glance but is actually quite tricky.
Instructions
Look at the image below, which shows an equation with a mistake. To correct it, you need to move just one matchstick. Take your time—the first solution is usually wrong. The clock is ticking.
Tip if you’re stuck
Don’t touch the signs—they’re all correct. Think about how moving just one matchstick can change a digit and completely fix the equation.
The correct answer
Ready to check your work? Here’s the solution.
You had to take one matchstick from the last digit and add it to the five. The five became a six, and the seven after the equals sign turned into a one. Thus, the equation 7-5=7 became 7-6=1.
If you found the correct answer right away, your spatial reasoning is working perfectly. If not—don’t despair, because most people look for the solution in a completely different direction.
