Puzzles have a way of capturing our attention, whether it’s a crossword over morning coffee or a brain teaser shared with friends. Among the classics, matchstick riddles stand out because they combine logic with a visual challenge. Today’s puzzle is one of those deceptively simple ones: can you correct this equation by moving just one stick?
The puzzle: 3 – 27 = 24
At first glance, the equation looks completely wrong — and it is. Your task is to make it correct by moving only one matchstick. No more, no less. And here’s the catch: you’ve got 30 seconds to solve it.
Matchstick puzzles like this aren’t just fun — they also test your ability to think laterally, to see beyond the obvious, and to imagine how a small change can alter the bigger picture.
How to approach it
The key to these riddles is observation. Don’t rush straight into grabbing at the numbers. Instead, pause and imagine the possible moves in your head. Could the solution lie in the numbers themselves? Or perhaps the operator — the minus sign — could become something else entirely?
If you’re stuck, here are two helpful hints:
- Focus on the number 27. Is there a way to transform it into something else with just one stick?
- Consider whether the minus sign could be changed into a different operator.
The solution revealed
Still scratching your head? Here’s the answer.
To fix the incorrect equation 3 – 27 = 24, you:
- Remove one stick from the 7 in “27”, turning it into a 1. That gives you “21”.
- Place that stick on the minus sign, transforming it into a plus sign.
The new equation reads: 3 + 21 = 24 — which works perfectly.
Why we love these challenges
Part of the charm of matchstick puzzles is how they trick us into overthinking. The solution is always simple, but finding it requires patience, imagination, and a willingness to see things differently.
These kinds of riddles aren’t just entertaining; they also sharpen your problem-solving skills and encourage creative thinking. And they’re universal — kids, adults, puzzle enthusiasts or casual players can all enjoy them.
Share the fun
Whether you solved it in record time or needed a little nudge, challenges like this are made to be shared. Try it with friends, family, or even colleagues — nothing sparks conversation quite like a puzzle that seems impossible until the answer clicks.
So, next time you come across a matchstick riddle, remember: all it takes is one small move to completely change the outcome.
