Matchstick Equations

Play Matchstick Equations

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Tap a match, then tap where it goes

How to play Matchstick Equations

A favourite lateral-thinking puzzle. The equation is built from matches, with digits shaped like a calculator display, and it is wrong. Move one match to make it true.

The trick is to know which digits are one match away from each other. Take the middle match from an 8 and it becomes a 0; move the top-left match of a 5 and it becomes a 3; add an upright to a minus and it becomes a plus. Every puzzle has exactly one fix.

It is great practice for addition, subtraction and number shapes — and for looking at a problem from a different angle.

How to play Matchsticks

An equation made of matchsticks is wrong — move exactly one match to make it true.

The rules

Digits are made of up to seven matches, like a calculator display.
A plus sign has two matches; take the upright away and it is a minus.
Move exactly one match: pick it up from one place and put it down in another.
Every symbol must still be a proper digit or sign, and the equation must be true.

Playing here

Choose a level and press New Puzzle.
The equation is made of matches, like the numbers on a calculator display. It is wrong.
Tap a match to pick it up, then tap an empty spot to put it down. You may move only one match.
Hint shows which match to move, where it goes, and why that makes the sum true.

Tips

Work out the gap. Compare the two sides: how far out is the answer? That tells you which numbers need to change.
Know the one-match pairs. Moving a match inside a digit: 6↔0↔9, 2↔3↔5. Taking one away: 8→0, 6 or 9; 9→3 or 5; 7→1. Adding one: 1→7, 3→9, 5→6 or 9.
Don’t forget the sign. Changing − to + (or + to −) is often the answer.
Check every symbol. After the move, every digit must still be a real digit.

The full guide, with a worked example and common mistakes: How to play Matchsticks.

Questions

Can I move a match within the same digit?

Yes — sliding a match from one side of a digit to the other counts as one move.

Can I make a 1 from nothing?

No — a 1 needs two matches, and you only move one.

Is there always exactly one answer?

Yes — every puzzle is checked so that only one move makes it true.