Show table of content Hide table of content
Puzzles have always been a source of excitement, challenge, and a little bit of frustration for many. From intricate jigsaw puzzles, intriguing optical illusions to tricky mathematical equations, these brain teasers test, exercise, and stimulate our mental faculties in many ways.
Today, we bring to you a unique puzzle that only geniuses can solve: Can you solve this equation by moving just a single matchstick in less than 37 seconds?
Solving Puzzles: A Walkthrough
Puzzles, whether they are traditional jigsaw pieces or complex equations, involve the idea of formulating a strategy. The strategy begins by understanding the problem, determining an approach, applying it progressively, and evaluating the result.
Visual test Only a genius can find the 998 hidden among the 968 in less than 15 seconds.
First, it’s essential to grasp the details of the puzzle.
What is it asking? What are the boundaries or constraints? Next, create a plan of action. This might mean identifying patterns or rules in some puzzles, or devising a strategy for tackling distinct pieces of a jigsaw. Apply your plan, engaging the brain in critical thinking and problem-solving. It might require modifying the plan based on what you discover during the application process. Finally, review the results. Does your solution fit within the puzzle’s constraints? If not, it’s time to reassess.
Unraveling the Benefits of Puzzles
Engaging regularly with puzzles has numerous cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits.
It enhances brain function: Logic puzzles and riddles help increase brain activity, enhancing memory, concentration, and cognitive skills.
It promotes problem-solving capabilities: Puzzle-solving uses both logical reasoning and creative thinking, which can be applied to real-life situations.
It encourages patience and persistence: As a form of play, puzzles can be fun. But they can also be challenging, teaching perseverance through repeated attempts and failures. – It improves mood: Successfully solving a puzzle creates a dopamine hit, creating feelings of satisfaction and happiness. With so many positives attached to it, puzzle-solving can be more than just a leisure activity; it can become a beneficial habit.
The Test of the Day
It’s time to put your puzzle-solving abilities to the test. Use that mental grit to take on an equation that requires you to move only one matchstick to change its outcome. And not just that, the challenge includes a time constraint, too. The question is, can you solve it in less than 37 seconds? The equation on your screen reads 0+1+2=7, made with matchsticks. By moving just one matchstick, can you make the equation right?
The Solution
Remember that the goal is to move only one matchstick to turn the equation into a correct one. Panic not if you have not succeeded at the first attempt. Most participants require a couple of tries to crack it.
Visual test Only the most observant can find the thief in this image in less than 26 seconds
Take another look, observe carefully. Astounding, isn’t it, how something as simple as a misplaced stick can disrupt an equation? Now, suppose you were quick to realize that moving the vertical matchstick in the ‘+’ sign to the end of the number 0 in the equation, making it 8, would get you the right equation, congrats! You are among the few geniuses who cracked it in less than 37 seconds.
The equation reads 8 + 1 – 2 = 7. which is correct. While this was fun, remember the primary purpose of puzzles like these. They are not merely to challenge but to stimulate and give us the chance to engage various cognitive skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities, attentiveness, and patience. Happy puzzling!
