Idea 67: Dots and matchsticks
Please solve the following two problems.
Problem 1: The Nine Dots
Take a piece of paper larger than this page and put on it a pattern of nine dots, like this:
Now, without taking your pen or pencil off the paper, connect up the dots by four straight consecutive lines. You should be able to complete this task within three minutes.
Problem 2: The Six Matchsticks
Place six matchsticks – preferably of the wooden variety – on a flat surface. Now arrange the matchsticks in a pattern of four equilateral (i.e. equal-sided) triangles. You may not break the matchsticks – that is the only rule.
Again, you should be able to ...
