The following diagram shows 10 match sticks forming three squares. What is the minimum number of matches that must be removed to make two squares ?

Options

A. 3
B. 2
C. 1
D. 4

Answer

B

Explanation

The possible arrangements to get two squares:

So, In Arrangement (i) = Three match sticks are removed.
In Arrangement (ii) = Three match sticks are removed.
In Arrangement (iii) = Two match sticks are removed.
So, arrangement (iii) is the best way. Therefore, the minimum number of match sticks that must be removed to makes two squares = 2.