What are some possible solutions to this puzzle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential solutions to a puzzle involving variations of a mathematical or logical nature, likely related to matchstick puzzles. Participants explore different possibilities and variations, sharing their findings and questioning each other's contributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose various solutions to the puzzle, with one mentioning they have identified five possibilities.
  • Others affirm that certain variations are valid and encourage further exploration of additional solutions.
  • One participant presents a mathematical expression (8-4=4) as a possible solution.
  • Several participants share their own variations on a method attributed to another contributor, Borek.
  • Concerns are raised about one proposed solution violating conservation of mass, as it introduces a matchstick without explanation.
  • A participant suggests that a typo in their original post could be valid under certain conditions, prompting discussion about the nature of the solutions.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about whether all possible solutions have been identified, with one noting they could only find three new ones.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share their findings and variations, but there is disagreement regarding the validity of certain solutions, particularly concerning the conservation of mass. The discussion remains unresolved as to whether all possible solutions have been identified.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for missing assumptions regarding the nature of the puzzle and the definitions of valid solutions. The discussion also reflects unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of the solutions presented.

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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