Can You Solve This Matchstick Math Puzzle by Moving Only 1 Matchstick? Try Our Bonus Question After

So many of us “non-essential” workers have been stuck at home for months with nothing to do except waste time on Facebook, liking and watching the latest cat videos. Have you ever wondered what people used to do for fun before the advent of cat videos or the internet with its endless distractions to occupy our time?

Well, back in the good ol’ days, people used to use their imaginations in order to amuse themselves. Imagine that!

In a twist of irony, here we are today on the internet, reviving a simple old school game, where all that you needed were a few matchsticks—no devices, no wifi. It may not be Minecraft, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple or easy!

Give this matchstick puzzle a try and you’ll see how creatively conniving it is. Take a look at the equation below and follow the instructions carefully:

Matchstick Puzzle 1.

“It’s wrong!” is probably the first thing you would say, and you would be right to say that. Obviously, 2 × 2 does not equal 6. Here’s a simple challenge for you: Move one, and only one, matchstick to correct the equation. You can move it anywhere on the puzzle, but the equation must be correct when you are finished. Can you solve it?

Take a moment to ponder over it, and when you think you have the correct answer, or if you’re completely stumped, scroll down below to see the solution.

Here is the match that you need to move:

Here is where you need to move it:

And, voila! Here is the final equation:

If you managed to solve this on your own, great work! It shows that you still know how to use your creativity despite all the distractions of modern life. If you didn’t get it, don’t sweat it; you‘ll get another chance. Either way, if you’d like to try another one, take a look at the matchstick puzzle below:

Matchstick Puzzle 2.

Once again, it’s incorrect. Move one matchstick anywhere on the puzzle to correct the equation. And when you have the correct answer or simply give up, scroll down to see the answer.

Here is the match that you need to move:

Here is where you need to move it:

And, presto! Here is the final equation:

Were you successful in solving this second match puzzle? If so, then good for you! And if not, well, here is your chance to redeem yourself with a final bonus question below, and it’s a tough one:

Matchstick Puzzle Bonus Round

Take a look at the 2 matchsticks. The challenge is this: move only one matchstick to form the number four. It may seem impossible, so try thinking outside of the box. When you think you know how to do it, or if you’re confounded by it, then scroll down to see the right answer.