In the era of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, simple attention tasks are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for brain training. One of the most popular forms of such exercises remains matchstick puzzles — they do not require special knowledge, but force the brain to work in a non-standard way.

A task that stumps most people

The image presents an equation that at first glance seems incorrect: 90 – 25 = 13. The task is to move only one matchstick so that the equality becomes mathematically correct.

The first thought is to change the minus sign to a plus or try to correct the result. But this leads to a dead end. The key to the solution lies in reinterpreting the digits not as numbers, but as geometric figures made of matchsticks.

Solution: 38 – 25 = 13

The correct answer involves moving one vertical matchstick from the digit 9 (in the number 90) so that it turns into a 3. As a result, the number 90 becomes 38, and the equation takes the form:

38 – 25 = 13 — which is an absolutely correct mathematical equality.

This task demonstrates how important it is to be able to go beyond conventional perception. What seems obvious is often false, and the solution is hidden in the details.

Why are such puzzles useful?

Studies show that regularly solving logic puzzles improves:

  • Spatial thinking — the ability to visualize objects and their transformations;
  • Cognitive flexibility — the ability to switch between different solution strategies;
  • Attention to detail — a skill critically important in professional activities;
  • Frustration tolerance — the ability not to give up at the first sign of failure.

As psychologists note, such tasks activate the prefrontal cortex of the brain — the area responsible for planning, decision-making, and impulse control.

Contradictory data

Although in most sources the solution to the task is unambiguous — move a matchstick from 9 to 3 — some users on the internet offer alternative interpretations. For example, someone claims that you can change the minus sign to a plus by moving a matchstick from 25 to get 90 + 5 = 95, but then the result 13 does not fit. Others suggest changing 13 to 65 by moving a matchstick from 25, but this violates the condition — only one matchstick. Thus, although there are attempts to find other solutions, they either violate the rules or do not lead to a correct equality. The only correct solution is 38 – 25 = 13.

Where did this task come from?

The puzzle was published in the entertainment project Styler — a lifestyle platform from RBK-Ukraine, which combines trends, tips, recipes, and intellectual challenges. The project positions itself as a space for those who want to read not only news, but also everything interesting outside of politics and economics.

Styler regularly publishes similar tasks, quizzes, and tests that help readers check their cognitive abilities in a game format. Previously, the project offered a test that, according to the authors, would tell more about a person than a standard IQ test.

How to use such tasks in everyday life?

Matchstick puzzles are not just entertainment. They can be used:

  • In schools — to develop logical thinking in children;
  • In corporate trainings — as a team-building element;
  • In family games — for joint leisure;
  • In meditative practices — as a way to switch attention and reduce stress.

The main thing is not to rush to the first solution. As the task description says: "Do not rush with the first idea, it is almost always wrong".

If you solved the task immediately — congratulations! Your spatial thinking is top-notch. If not — do not be upset. Most people do not find the solution on the first try. The main thing is to try again.