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TOOTHPICK PROBLEMS

Problem Solving

Skill: Problem solving using manipulatives

Number of people: One or small group

Directions:

1. The Farmer's Sheep Pens

The drawing below shows how a farmer used thirteen toothpicks to make six identical sheep pens. Unfortunately one of the toothpicks was damaged.

Use twelve toothpicks to show how the farmer can still make six identical pens.

2. Toothpick squares

Remove three toothpicks from the fifteen in the arrangement shown so that only three squares are left.

Now try removing two matches for the arrangement shown to leave three squares. This time the squares need not all be the same size.

3. Toothpick Animal

Show how by moving exactly one toothpick to another position you can obtain a second animal that is the same size and shape as the first.