Matchsticks
Our important goal is to determine how to remove 9 matchsticks from the puzzle so that no squares remain. We are not allowed to move matchsticks, only to remove them from the puzzle. What is the minumim amount of matchsticks that we should remove from the outer edge for it to break the outermost square?
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1 solution
In order for the outer edge, or border, of the matchsticks to not exist as a 4 x 4 square, only one matchstick needs to be removed from the figure's perimeter. If none are removed, it'll remain, and more than one is superfluous. We only need to remove one and that square is broken. I hope this helps!