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MatchStick Puzzles – Largest and Smallest Numbers

Matchstick puzzles are fun to solve. These puzzles are pretty engaging can be used in many ways to teach the basic concepts of Math. Recently, we used the math concept of place values and integers to solve these puzzles. We had to rearrange the matchsticks to find out the largest and smallest possible number that can be made using a given number. This activity can be extended to allow integers , which means the smallest possible number can be a negative number also. After a couple of trials and errors, my kids were able to solve the puzzle and enjoyed doing it.

Lay out the matchsticks so that they represent the number 5008. By moving only two matchsticks, can you find the largest and smallest possible number which can be made. The numbers can be integers too. In case you don’t have matchsticks, you can use toothpicks or thin pretzel sticks.

MatchstickPuzzle, numberPlaceValue

So, were you able to solve it ? Leave your answer in the comment section.

Show Largest Number

The Largest Number would be 511108. Move the two horizontal matchsticks from one of the zero, as a result it becomes 11. Then, create a 1 between the 11, using the matchsticks which were removed, to make 111.

matchstickPuzzle, largestNumber

Show Smallest Number

The Smallest Number would be -91108. You move the two horizontal matchsticks from the zero at the hundred’s place and, as a result it becomes 11. Then, using the two matchsticks which were removed, use one of them to make a 9 out of 5 and use the second one for the ‘-‘ sign

smallestNumber, MatchStickPuzzle

If you liked this puzzle, please share it with your friends and family on Facebook and other social networking sites. You can find more Matchstick puzzles here.

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  1. James Hurring says

    March 31, 2020 at 4:14 pm

    How about 51108^11

    Reply
    • My World Their Way says

      March 31, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Hi James, Great thinking. But, I think you meant 51118^11. It would have been the right solution if we were allowed to move as many number of matchsticks but the puzzle asks to move only two matchsticks to find the largest number

      Reply

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