What are some possible solutions to this puzzle?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around identifying possible solutions to a puzzle involving matchsticks. Participants, including users named Dave and Samy, collaboratively explore variations of solutions, specifically referencing Borek's method. They confirm that five distinct solutions have been identified, with some debate about the validity of one solution due to its violation of the conservation of mass principle. The conversation highlights the importance of collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of ideas in puzzle-solving contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic puzzle-solving techniques
  • Familiarity with Borek's method for solving matchstick puzzles
  • Knowledge of the conservation of mass principle in physics
  • Experience with collaborative brainstorming in online forums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced techniques in matchstick puzzles
  • Explore variations of Borek's method for creative problem-solving
  • Study the principles of conservation of mass in practical applications
  • Engage in online forums to practice collaborative problem-solving
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Puzzle enthusiasts, educators in mathematics, and anyone interested in collaborative problem-solving techniques will benefit from this discussion.

davenn
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so far I have come up with 5 possibilities
Are there more ?
what one/ones did the originator think of ?
I won't post my answers till I see a few responses

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Dave
 
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yup that's one of them try for another couple :)
 
6-4≠4
 
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Borek said:
6-4≠4

you are on to one of the good variations ... there are several of those
 
8-4=4
 
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A regular one, less fun than Borek's:

8-4=4
 
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Another one
0+4=4
Variation on Borek's method:
5+4≠4
 
Hee are four
5+4=9
8-4=4
5+4##\neq##4
6-4##\neq##4
Edit: although nothing anyone else didn't come up with, I see.
Edit edit: fixed typo (x2)
 
Last edited:
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  • #10
:smile:

awesome, between the 3 of you, you have covered the 5 that I found

I am not sure if there are others or not

Dave
 
  • #11
Ibix said:
Hee are four
5+4=9
8-4=4
5+4##\neq##4
6+4##\neq##4
Edit: although nothing anyone else didn't come up with, I see.

have you found the 5th one ? :wink:

you posted the edit while I was posting
 
  • #12
Yeah - I clicked on the spoiler in Samy's #8 and there it was. :wink:

I got the other four without looking.
 
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  • #13
Ibix said:
6+4##\neq##4
I question this one on the grounds it violates conservation of mass: a matchstick has appeared magically where there was none before.
 
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  • #14
zoobyshoe said:
I question this one on the grounds it violates conservation of mass: a matchstick has appeared magically where there was none before.
Indeed - I've corrected the typo.
 
  • #15
Ibix said:
Indeed - I've corrected the typo.

you better go back and re-edit :wink:
you have 2 the same now
 
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  • #16
Gah! I think it's right now. I wish I'd been drinking yesterday so I had an excuse for that...
 
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  • #17
Wait - my original typo (preserved by Zooby) is valid if you are happy to accept a slightly malformed 6. Take the top bar of the 6 - the result is recognisably a 6. Or is that cheating?
 
  • #18
I could come up with only 3 new ones.

A: Take a match from either the 6 or + , and light the 6 and + on fire, leaving 4 = 4

B: Pick up any match, wave it in someones face and say; "I'm MOVING it.", and then put it back where it was, as the equation is correct in modulo 6. [ref]

C: 6 + 4 = 11 in base 9
 
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  • #19
zoobyshoe said:
I question this one on the grounds it violates conservation of mass: a matchstick has appeared magically where there was none before.
The energy of the unbalanced equation got converted to the atoms of a matchstick.
6=4=4 mod 2
6-H=4 for suitable H
6-4=H and a few more similar ways.
6+4+4 - it fixes the problem that there was an equation?
6-4=4 - then use the match to threaten someone to fix the equation in any way. You move one match to fix the equation.
 
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  • #20
mfb said:
The energy of the unbalanced equation got converted to the atoms of a matchstick.
6=4=4 mod 2
6-H=4 for suitable H
6-4=H and a few more similar ways.
6+4+4 - it fixes the problem that there was an equation?
6-4=4 - then use the match to threaten someone to fix the equation in any way. You move one match to fix the equation.

You're solution #4 reminds me of a variation of my first solution

Take one match and light all the rest of them on fire.

ps. I can't stop laughing about your last one. :oldlaugh:
 
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