Now look at our 5 square figure again-this time we have labeled the squares A, B, C, D and E, so that we can refer to a specific square. The 4 common sticks in the puzzle figure reduced the requirement of 20 sticks to form 5 independent squares to 20−4=16 sticks. But the fact remains,Įach common stick between two unit shapes reduces the number of sticks required to form a figure with the two shapes independent from each other-by ONE.

In another puzzle, the figure could comprise equilateral triangles. In our problem, the unit shape is a square. This is where the key concept in matchstick puzzle solving comes in-the concept of sticks common between two adjacent unit shapes. How could 5 squares have been formed even with a number of sticks 4 less than the number needed to form 5 squares? So to form 5 squares 20 sticks would have been used-4 more than the 16 sticks we have. How many sticks are required to form a SINGLE square? It is 4. Analysis of the structure and knowing precisely what you have to doĪt the first step, you need to always count total number of sticks. We’ll take up a completely analytical approach to arrive at conclusions based on basic matchstick puzzle concepts and deductive reasoning. Solution to the 5 squares matchstick puzzle: Move 3 matches to make 4 squares from 5 squares You have to move 3 matches to make 4 squares in the 5 square matchstick puzzle figure with no stick left hanging.īefore this we have solved three more 5 square to 4 square puzzles with different starting configurations.Įven if you have gone through any of those, this puzzle should give you new food for thought. This is the 4th 5 squares matchstick puzzle of this type. Move 3 matches to make 4 squares from 5 squares puzzle figure.

Azada matchsticks