09 June 2018

590. Balance the scale: Move 1

Easy Medium Hard Extreme


The vertical matchsticks on the scale all have the same weight. To balance the unbalanced scale you need to MOVE 1 matchstick. Where would you place it?

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In the original puzzle:

Left of balancing point: (3x1) + (1x1) + (1x1) + (1x1) = 6 units
Right of balancing point: (3x1) + (4x1) = 7 units

From the above we can see we need to move a matchstick right of the balancing point. This is done by placing the matchstick as shown in the solution.

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4 comments:

  1. move the matchstick at 3 on the right side to 4

    ReplyDelete
  2. It can also be:
    L.H.S:
    Moving 1 matchstick from 1 to 2
    [(Matchstick*Distance)] (2*1)+(1*2)+(3*1) = 7 units

    ReplyDelete
  3. Move 1 stick from the LEFT side, 1 step to the left ((6+1) = 7), either:
    - the one at 3 moved to 4
    - one of the 1s moved to 2
    OR
    Move 1 stick from the RIGHT side, 1 step to the left (6 = (7-1)), either:
    - the one at 3 moved to 2
    - the one at 4 moved to 3

    ReplyDelete