I have 9 dots. Three in each row.?

Question

You must strike through every dot only using four lines. Rules: Can only use four lines. Once you start you can not pick up ure pencil. Canot duplicate a line.

Answer 1

I will put numbers instead of dots

1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

Draw your first line through 1,2,3 but go beyond until you are in line with 6 and 8 for your second line. Again draw past until you are right below 1, 4, and 7 and draw an upward line through those. Then starting with 1 draw your fourth line through 5 and 9...DONE

Answer 2

This is a classic puzzle that may be solved with the standard 4 lines.

o o o
o o o
o o o

Using the following reference,

x
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9 y

Draw
Line 1 - from 3 to 7
Line 2 - from 7 to x (slighly beyond 1)
Line 3 - from x to y (through 2 & 6)
Line 4 - from y to 7

More Interestingly, the problem can be solved with just 3 lines instead of the usual 4 lines.

o o o
o o o
o o o

Using the reference

1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

Draw
Line 1 - start at the top of 1, draw a line to bottom of 3
Line 2 - another line is drawn such that it touches the top of 6 and the bottom of 4
Line 4 - finally the last line touches the top of 7 and the bottom of 9.

Since the lines are not parallel, they will meet. This solution will work as long as the 9 points in the puzzle has some "diameter". If it is a mathematical point, then it doesn't work and you will have to live with the 4 lines solution.

Thinking out of the box is fun.

You may wish to solve the puzzle with just 1 line, will leave you to find whether there is such a solution.

Answer 3

Let me substitute each dot with a number...imagine the 'o's are not there ok? i nid them for reference iin my answer...xD.

1 2 3 o
4 5 6
7 8 9
o

Draw a continuous line frm 9 - 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - o - 6 - 8 - o - 7 - 4 - 1.
So basically, you are extending the lines out of the 9 dots, to where the 'o's are, and by doing so, you will be able to strike through every dot using only four lines without picking up pencil and without going throught the same line twice.

Cheers!

Answer 4

The solution looks like an arrow with lines extending beyond the "square" of the corner dots.

too much work describing how to do it instead of drawing it and by the time I'm done someone else will have come up with the solution...oh well 2 points.

Answer 5

Yeah-- like they said. Think outside the box (whatever that means!)

I say, stay inside the lines....the lines are our friends.

Answer 6

Think outside the box

Answer 7

4 lines impossible. 5, yes.

Answer 8

This is where the saying "Think outside the box" came from. I can do it.

Answer 9

easy peesy....


clue : think outside the box

Answer 10

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