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jagpopFeb 5, 2012
Count the toothpicks.
16
To make a single isolated all by itself square takes 4 toothpicks.
If two squares SHARE a side, that is, share a tooth pick then you need one less toothpick. If a whole bunch of squares share sides - toothpicks - then you need even fewer toothpicks.
But the rules to the puzzle say "You must use all the toothpicks" and there are 16 of them. One isolated square requires 4 toothpicks and you have 16 toothpicks and are trying to create four squares, 4 times 4 equals 16. Well then NONE of the squares can SHARE a side else you would need 15 toothpicks (or less).
Got that? Four isolated squares requires 16 toothpicks and that is the exact number you are given.
So...the answer is four isolated squares.
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marklomastroFeb 4, 2012
Just so you know you will have 4 squares with no extra toothpicks sticking out and no other shapes. Just 4 squares. you have to think outside the box (that is a hint)
jagpopFeb 4, 2012
At first I resisted reading further thinking, do I really want to get stuck for 25 minutes doing a puzzle before breakfast?
Got it in my first "try".
What was that? Point 0.3 seconds?
The solution must have been stored on some dusty old brain cell from Jr High, oh so long ago.
Wonder what other Jr High memory is going to rear it's disgusting head having been stored on that same forgotten brain cell?
There! It happened: "Greasy Kid's Stuff" !
novenatorFeb 3, 2012Submitter
There is a solution, it's not a trick, and once you figure it out, it's painfully obvious.
novenatorFeb 3, 2012Submitter
This took me about 20 minutes to figure out, so don't give up. If you absolutely cannot do it and don't know how to google the answer the solution is ...
Spoiler alert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdGaWup9gFE
kingfootFeb 4, 2012
Is there more than one solution? I think I found a different way...
marklomastroFeb 4, 2012
yes two that I have found
novenatorFeb 5, 2012Submitter
You can post it here, but I can't fathom any other possible solution if you follow all of the rules.
aksn1p3rFeb 3, 2012
Maybe those 2 outer-most vertical matchsticks (far-left and far-right) can be used to form a new square in the lower row if its placed as a reversed L shape at the end?
vbdonFeb 5, 2012
O.K. Take the bottom horizontal stick from the second bottom box and flip it to your right. Then take the top horizontal stick from the center top box and make it a vertical to form a new box below the (formerly) center top box.
You now have four independent boxes.
rt2100Feb 4, 2012
Solution: http://imgur.com/mZoQA
ciarFeb 4, 2012
no, it's not. you didn't follow the directions. the squares all have to be the same size.
rt2100Feb 4, 2012
Apologies, missed that somehow. Actual solution: imgur.com/Q3iPy
trythinking1stFeb 6, 2012
except that's still 5 squares...