Node Puzzles
When two matches touch like this then there are two ends and a meeting point; we call these nodes and each has a value.
The value is the number of ways of leaving the node.
Here the total value of the nodes is 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 6
Puzzle 1
Arrange 3 matches so that the each match is touching at least one other and the node total is
10 6 8 12?
No matches must rest on top of another.
Puzzle 2
Now use 4 matches. Try and make these Node Totals
14
12
10
16
18
Puzzle 3
Now take 5 matches. What is the largest Node Total you can make?