Brain Teasers
Roman Matches III
The following equation involving Roman numerals is formed using matchsticks. The given equation is wrong. Can you correct it by moving just one matchstick? See if you can do it three times; the equation can be corrected in three different ways. Each solution must be an equation (i.e., it must contain one equals sign).
Note:
I(1) and -(minus) are each formed from one matchstick.
V(5), X(10), L(50), +(plus), and =(equals) are each two matchsticks.
C(100) is three matchsticks.
The incorrect equation is: IV = XII - VI
Note:
I(1) and -(minus) are each formed from one matchstick.
V(5), X(10), L(50), +(plus), and =(equals) are each two matchsticks.
C(100) is three matchsticks.
The incorrect equation is: IV = XII - VI
Hint
One solution only affects the right side of the equation; another only affects the left side, the other affects both sides.Answer
First solution: IV = XI - VIITake the matchstick from the right of the XII and add it to the right of the VI.
Second solution: VI = XII - VI
Take the matchstick from the left of the IV and put it on the right of the same numeral, changing it to VI.
Third solution: V = XII - VII
Take the matchstick from the left of the IV and add it to the right of the VI.
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Comments
I got a solution that was like:
IVI = XI - VI
where you moves the I from XII to IV so that it would be 5 = 11 - 6
but I guess it's wrong because you can't have IVI as a roman numeral.
haha. oh well.
IVI = XI - VI
where you moves the I from XII to IV so that it would be 5 = 11 - 6
but I guess it's wrong because you can't have IVI as a roman numeral.
haha. oh well.
I came up with 4 solutions. Second solution can also be created by taking one of the sticks to make the first V and adding to the first I to make VI. ( I \/ becomes \I / ).
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