Out of 4 matchstick triangles form 2 in 4 moves
The matchstick puzzle figure comprises four triangles. Move 4 matches to leave 2 triangles. Each matchstick must be a part of a triangle.
Recommended time to solve is 6 minutes.
Try before going through the solution.
Solution to move 4 matches to leave 2 triangles matchstick puzzle: Matchstick count analysis to get an idea about the final solution figure
The puzzle figure comprises 12 matchsticks and 4 small triangles. The solution figure must then be of two larger triangles.
Conclusion 1: The two triangles in the solution figure must then be 2-stick side larger triangles with no common side. Each triangle will need 6 matches and two triangles will be made up of 12 matches.
Solution to move 4 matches to leave 2 triangles matchstick puzzle: Structural analysis of the solution to form the first large triangle
Let's reproduce the puzzle figure with two marked sticks.
The puzzle figure has a pair of marked matchsticks ideally placed in a straight line to form the base of a new 2-stick side triangle.
And with the base identified, it takes just a moment to flip the pair of double-ticked matches vertically to form the first 2-stick side triangle in 2 stick moves as shown.
Solution to move 4 matches to leave 2 triangles matchstick puzzle: Forming the second large triangle in the same way
Take the same line of approach as in the first success to identify obliquely placed two straight sticks as the base of the second large triangle.
Rest of the two sticks are now flipped in the south east direction down to form the apex of the second large triangle. The solution with stick moves shown.
The base sticks of the second large triangle are now marked with dots.
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