The puzzle below has become especially viral because it left many users confused. It was posted on the social network TikTok on an account that frequently shares riddles and personality tests. The question may be a bit tricky for some of you, but if you focus long enough, you might be able to find the correct answer.
In front of you is an incorrect equation: 8–3=12, made up of 22 matchsticks. You need to move one matchstick to change the equation and reach a logical solution. The answer is at the bottom of the article.
Note that there may be several possible solutions to the equation; we will present only one solution.
Did you succeed? Even if not, it’s okay.
Here is the answer:
You need to move one matchstick to change the equation. Which matchstick?
Move the bottom left matchstick of the number 8 and add it to the minus sign (–), thereby turning the number 8 into a 9 and the minus sign (–) into a plus sign (+). With this change, we get the correct equation: 9+3=12.