Question

Zach has 6 matchsticks to make as many triangles as possible. What is the maximum number of triangles he can make?
(All matchsticks are used at once.)

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 16

Answer 1

The correct option is D 16

Arranging the matchsticks, we get:


Now, counting the triangles, we get:


6 smaller triangles


3 larger triangles


6 more triangles


And finally, the outer triangle itself.

Hence, the maximum number of triangles that Zach can form from 6 matchsticks is: 6 + 3 + 6 + 1 = 16