Problem-Solving:

Toothpick Puzzle

 

Today's Snack: Cut a slice inside two hot dogs, and cook for one minute on "high" power in the microwave. Place chunks on a plate with a handful of cheese cubes. Eat by picking up either a hot dog chunk or a cheese cube with a toothpick. Enjoy a glass of milk or water to go with your chunks 'n' cubes.

 

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Supplies:

16 toothpicks

 

On a desk or table, arrange 16 toothpicks into five squares, like this diagram:

 

 

 

 

            Now here's the challenge:

 

            Move only THREE of the toothpicks, and form FOUR squares instead of five. The FOUR squares must be the same size. The answer is below - don't peek!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Answer: Remove the two toothpicks on the lower left-hand corner. Then remove the vertical toothpick on the lower right-hand corner. Make a square with these three toothpicks underneath the lower-right, horizontal toothpick. Voila!)