Object: Rearrange the given sticks to create a mathematically correct equation.

You are given an equation which doesn't make mathematical sense.
Your task is to rearrange only one stick (in some variants more than one stick) in order to create a mathematically correct equation.

Click a stick to place it on a spare position at the right border; then click the position where you want to place it.

You can also click the mathematical operators (Plus (+), Minus (-), Times (x), Equals (=)) to change them into each other. You might have to click such a sign more than once to get what you want.

The moves you need to succeed are not counted. The only fact that counts for a win is that the final equation you end up with differs from the given one by only one stick (in some variants by two or three sticks).
Changing '=' into '-' counts as picking up one stick. Changing '=' or '+' into 'x' counts as rearrangments (i.e. picking up and placing) of two sticks!

A win-message will apppear when you have found the correct equation.
All sticks must be used. No sticks are allowed to be left on the spare positions to the right.
Some variants have more than one solution (some of them found by Alfred Pfeiffer).
Can you find those solutions as well?
Each variant has one solution attached (click Help/ShowSolution).

There is also a Freeplay variant available where you can experiment with board setups. (Note that the handling of the mathematical signs is slightly different here).

Stick equation games are closely related to matchstick games and originated from them. (Compare the Zillions games Matchsticks and Matchsticks II).

You can send me your own equations to be included in future versions of the game 'Stick Equations' (see http://karl.kiwi.gen.nz/).