# An old geometric puzzle

I don't know precisely the origin of the question. I've encountered it in a Russian Problem Solving book, when I studied in 7th grade. However, the beauty of the problem still manages to amaze me. So lets end this nostalgic talk and get back to solving.

Problem. You have exactly 6 identical matches. How you can construct 4 equilateral triangles using them? You can't use additional matches or break or bend the matches you have.

Note by Nicolae Sapoval
5 years, 11 months ago

This discussion board is a place to discuss our Daily Challenges and the math and science related to those challenges. Explanations are more than just a solution — they should explain the steps and thinking strategies that you used to obtain the solution. Comments should further the discussion of math and science.

When posting on Brilliant:

• Use the emojis to react to an explanation, whether you're congratulating a job well done , or just really confused .
• Ask specific questions about the challenge or the steps in somebody's explanation. Well-posed questions can add a lot to the discussion, but posting "I don't understand!" doesn't help anyone.
• Try to contribute something new to the discussion, whether it is an extension, generalization or other idea related to the challenge.

MarkdownAppears as
*italics* or _italics_ italics
**bold** or __bold__ bold
- bulleted- list
• bulleted
• list
1. numbered2. list
1. numbered
2. list
Note: you must add a full line of space before and after lists for them to show up correctly
paragraph 1paragraph 2

paragraph 1

paragraph 2

[example link](https://brilliant.org)example link
> This is a quote
This is a quote
    # I indented these lines
# 4 spaces, and now they show
# up as a code block.

print "hello world"
# I indented these lines
# 4 spaces, and now they show
# up as a code block.

print "hello world"
MathAppears as
Remember to wrap math in $$ ... $$ or $ ... $ to ensure proper formatting.
2 \times 3 $2 \times 3$
2^{34} $2^{34}$
a_{i-1} $a_{i-1}$
\frac{2}{3} $\frac{2}{3}$
\sqrt{2} $\sqrt{2}$
\sum_{i=1}^3 $\sum_{i=1}^3$
\sin \theta $\sin \theta$
\boxed{123} $\boxed{123}$

Sort by:

Here'a the answer: 4 equilateral triangles with 6 identical matches

- 5 years, 11 months ago

Wow, I was thinking it was a 2D shape and was staring at the figure for 15 minutes lol.

- 5 years, 11 months ago

Sometimes just to solve a problem you've got to change your perspective.

- 5 years, 11 months ago

Yep, great job!

- 5 years, 11 months ago

If the crossing of matches is allowed, here is a possible solution (though then the riddle is too easy):

Solution with crossing

If the crossing of matches is not allowed however, I have another solution:

Solution without crossing

This solution gives 8 triangles though, not 4, so I assume it is not the "correct" solution :)

- 5 years, 11 months ago

You've inspired me to create a non-crossing solution of exactly 4 triangles

- 5 years, 11 months ago

Well, I could probably consider the second solution by Ben, but this is complete nonsense :D

- 5 years, 11 months ago

I support this solution. :D

- 5 years, 11 months ago

I think this is also a solution if crossing is allowed

- 5 years, 11 months ago