# Move one matchstick: 6 + 4 = 4: visual puzzle | SwaVid

Move exactly one matchstick to make the equation 6 + 4 = 4 true. See the complete step-by-step solution.

Canonical: https://www.swavid.com/puzzles/matchstick-equation

Source: https://www.swavid.com/puzzles/matchstick-equation

# Move one matchstick: 6 + 4 = 4

## Move the vertical match from the + to the 6, making 8 − 4 = 4.

### Look at the operator

### Place the spare match

### Check the result

SwaVid visual puzzle

Move exactly one matchstick to make the equation 6 + 4 = 4 true.

Detailed solution

Changing the operator can be more powerful than changing a digit.

The plus sign is two matches. Taking away its vertical match leaves a minus sign.

Adding that match to the 6 closes its top-right side and turns it into an 8.

The new equation is correct.

Most people try to change one of the 4s first, but 6 + 4 can never equal a single digit, so the operator has to change.

- 1 Look at the operator The plus sign is two matches. Taking away its vertical match leaves a minus sign. + → −
- 2 Place the spare match Adding that match to the 6 closes its top-right side and turns it into an 8. 6 → 8
- 3 Check the result The new equation is correct. 8 − 4 = 4 ✓

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