Removing 6 matches to form two squares puzzle
In the matchstick puzzle figure, remove 6 matches to leave exactly 2 squares. No matchstick should be left hanging. Each must be a part of a square.
The Puzzle
In the following matchstick figure, remove 6 matchsticks to leave exactly 2 squares.
Recommended time to solve is 5 minutes.
Try out. It is not a difficult puzzle.
Solution to remove 6 matches to leave 2 squares puzzle: Count of matchstick analysis
Total number of matchsticks is 17. If 6 matches are removed, 11 matchsticks will remain. We have to make exactly 2 squares with these 11 matchsticks.
It follows,
Conclusion 1: There must be one medium sized square of 2-stick side length that comprises 8 matchsticks.
That means,
Conclusion 2: With the rest 3 matchsticks the second square of 1-stick side length is to be created.
Obviously,
Conclusion 3: The two squares will have one side common.
The following figure shows one such solution.
The small square may be attached externally to any of the eight sides of the larger square, but rotationally all 8 configurations will be equivalent.
Thus, rotationally unique solution is only 1.
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