Math challenge: Test your IQ and prove you’re a genius by moving just 1 matchstick in 15 seconds!

Are you up for a challenge? Put your math skills to the test with this fun 15 second puzzle. See if you can move just one matchstick and solve the equation in the allotted time. Ready, set, go!

(c) Abmeyerwood

Are you ready to take the challenge?

If you’ve been on social media lately, you may have seen this challenge popping up on your feeds. People have been challenging each other to solve this popular puzzle in the shortest amount of time possible.

We’ve included an image below to help explain the solution. The answer is -1+1=0, so if you find it within 15 seconds, congratulations!

Some of you have found an additional solution which is explained  below the picture.

(c) Abmeyerwood

The equation 1+7=0 was false. However, by moving the matchstick from the top of the 7 and putting it in front of the 1, we get -1+1=0. Rearranging this gives us 0=0, which is true.

Some of you have found an alternative solution and we thank them for sharing it with us. It consists of moving the vertical matchstick from the “+” sign and adding it to the top of the “1” to make it a “7”, thus giving us the following equation: 7-7=0.

Spot the difference: Challenge yourself to find the 3 differences – Only 20% complete in under 40 seconds!

READ:  Difference game: Test your visual skills by spotting 5 differences in less than 20 seconds!

We invite you to share this challenge with your friends and family and see who can solve it first. Good luck!

Monica Brimley
Hey, I'm Monica! I'm a 32-year-old organization nerd who's obsessed with finding clever solutions for everyday problems. From cleaning hacks to decluttering tips, I share practical advice to help you live smarter, not harder. Let's get organized!