Put a pile of matches down on a table and call someone over.
You:
Do you feel comfortable around matches… how about numbers?
Some solutions to problems are literally right in front of our eyes, yet we don’t see the wood for the trees. All you need is a box of matches and some imagination to show how this works.
Put a pile of matches down on a table and call someone over.
You:
Do you feel comfortable around matches… how about numbers?
You:
Using as few or as many matches as you want, show me how six is exactly one half of eleven. You can use an equation, make a number or use a Roman numeral, anything… your choice.
Get them to try to figure it out with the matches.
You:
You can use your calculator if you like, but that won’t help… you need to use some lateral thinking. How can six be exactly one half of eleven?
Once they‘ve given up, use the matches to make an XI – the Roman numeral for 11.
You:
In Roman numerals XI is 11… but if you literally halve XI by removing half the matches…
Remove the top half of the XI, to reveal VI (6 in Roman numerals).
You:
It becomes VI, which is… yep, 6 in roman numerals.
Some extra lines you can try
Change the story for other people, it works for seven being half of 12 as well.
Did the Romans know about this?
Do all matches lead to Roman numerals?
Did you get those matches at the Seven Eleven?
One 'L' of a Puzzle is a good chaser here. Also, the Match Pyramid and Match Moves will fit right in.
type type
Do It Yourself (DIY)
material material
a bunch of matches
size size
a matchbox will fit in your pocket
durability durability
don't light up too often and the matches should last a while
source source
the ether
time to impact time to impact
pretty much there and then
size of audience size of audience
one-on-one or a small group
possible health risk possible health risk
don’t play with fire
reusable how many times you can use it
just once
training needed training needed
you will be a Roman master in no time
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