Wed. May 20th, 2026

Math Puzzle: Fix the matchstick equation

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Move two matchsticks to make this equation correct.

Illustration of 18 matches arranged at right angles to show the mathematical expression “seven ninths equals three.”

Here’s one solution.

Illustration of 18 matches arranged at right angles to show the mathematical expression “one third equals three to the power of negative one.”

We’d love to hear from you! E-mail us at games@sciam.com to share your experience.

This puzzle originally appeared in Spektrum der Wissenschaft and was reproduced with permission. It was translated from the original German version with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editors.

By uttu

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