I have always been interested in puzzles, and in particular their use in the teaching and learning of mathematics. My interest in match-stick puzzles was reawakened recently while I was working on my Mathematics Photo Gallery.
None of the 50 puzzles here is original, and I acknowledge my debt to those who have gone before and discovered these ideas.
The contents classify the problems into several classes. This is fairly easy, as they fall fairly naturally into half a dozen categories, and there is some value in assembling problems of the same type. This is done via the Contents page. However, the problems themselves are presented in a mixed, unclassified sequence (using the arrows): it takes away half the challenge to start with a problem knowing it is of some particular type! So we have the best of both worlds here.
There are some basic rules for playing with matchsticks. No breaking or bending is allowed, and the matches are all of the same size.
For each problem, be on the lookout for generalizations. Can you extend the problem by varying some of the numbers or ideas? Try your hand at inventing your own match stick problems.
On using these pages
These pages are designed so that the viewer can manipulate the matches on screen. A match is grasped by placing the cursor on it and clicking (or double clicking, depending on your browser). The match can now be slowly dragged holding the mouse button down. Be sure the match is moved without leaving an image. The match is placed in its new position by releasing the mouse button. Since we only have translation available, we make rotation possible by the use of a ‘tray’. Where this is shown, you can replace a dragged match by one in the tray, leaving the original match by the tray and dragging the new ‘tray match’ into position.
The construction of these pages involves the use of layers: this can cause interference when moving the matches. I have arranged the layering so that no interference is caused when the problem is solved my way. This may not help anyone else! The problem is also resolved by moving each match in such a way that the cursor avoids contact with other matches.
The ‘Hint’ box supplies hints where necessary. The ‘Refresh’ box resets the page to its original condition. The ‘Solution’ box gives a possible solution – there is often more than one solution.
Have fun with this collection!
Paul Scott (2009)
mail@paulscott.info
www.paulscott.info