Can you tell the smallest possible number by moving just one pencil?

Question

ScanSolve AI Tutor · Accepted Answer

To find the smallest possible number by moving just one pencil from the number 94, let's analyze the possibilities:

Identify the current digits.
The image shows the number 94, constructed from red pencils.
The digit '9' is formed by 6 pencils.
The digit '4' is formed by 4 pencils.
Consider changing the '9' to a smaller digit.
The '9' is currently formed as:
_ | | || | This '9' is missing the bottom-right vertical segment. If we move the bottom-left vertical pencil (the one that forms the lower-left corner) to the bottom-right vertical position, the '9' transforms into a '0'.
_ | | || |_| The number would then become 04, which is equivalent to 4.
Consider changing the '4' to a smaller digit.
The '4' is currently formed as: | | |_| | If we move the middle horizontal pencil of the '4' to the top-horizontal position, the '4' transforms into a '7'. The number would become 97. This is larger than 94, so it's not the smallest.
It is not possible to form a '1', '2', or '3' from the '4' by moving only one pencil while maintaining a recognizable digit. For example, to make a '1', you would typically need to remove two pencils or move one and leave an unrecognizable shape.
Compare the possible numbers.
By changing the '9' to a '0', we get the number 4.
By changing the '4' to a '7', we get the number 97.

Comparing these, the smallest number is 4.

The smallest possible number by moving just one pencil is $\text{4}$ .

Answer