Tricky Test 2 Level 111

Overview

The prompt at the top reads "Move 3 oranges to form an inverted triangle." Ten oranges are stacked in a large equilateral triangle that points upward: one orange on the top row, two on the next, three on the next, and four on the bottom row (1-2-3-4). At the bottom are a circular reset button and an oval SUBMIT button. The goal is to move exactly three oranges so the same ten-orange shape points the opposite way (an inverted triangle, 4-3-2-1). This is the classic "invert the triangle of coins" brain-teaser.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Estimated moves: 3 (drag three oranges)

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Look at the starting upward triangle:

• Top row: 1 orange
• Second row: 2 oranges
• Third row: 3 oranges
• Bottom row: 4 oranges

1. You need to end with a downward-pointing triangle:

• Top row: 4 oranges
• Second row: 3 oranges
• Third row: 2 oranges
• Bottom row: 1 orange

1. Drag the single top orange (the apex) straight down to the very bottom, below the current row of two. This becomes the new bottom orange.
2. Drag the bottom-left corner orange (the leftmost orange on the bottom row of four) up to the far-left end of the top row.
3. Drag the bottom-right corner orange (the rightmost orange on the bottom row of four) up to the far-right end of the top row.
4. The remaining seven oranges stay where they are. The shape now reads 4 oranges on top, 3 below, 2 below that, and 1 at the bottom — an inverted triangle.
5. Tap the oval SUBMIT button. The game confirms the inverted triangle and completes the level.

Strategy & Reasoning

The puzzle is solved by moving the three "corner" oranges. An upward triangle of 10 (1-2-3-4) and a downward triangle of 10 (4-3-2-1) overlap in the centre: the middle 7 oranges (rows of 2, 3, and the inner parts) can stay put. Only the three extreme corners need to move.

Specifically, the apex of the upward triangle (the top orange) has nowhere to go in a downward triangle but the bottom point. Likewise, the two bottom-corner oranges of the wide base have nowhere to go but the two ends of the new wide top. Moving those three corners flips the triangle without disturbing the rest.

Trying to move oranges from the middle rows, or moving more than three, fails because you either break the rows or exceed the "move 3" limit. The reset button lets you start over if you disturb the wrong oranges.

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Moving oranges from the middle rows. Correct approach: Only move the three corner oranges: the top apex and the two bottom corners.
• Mistake: Moving more or fewer than 3 oranges. Correct approach: Exactly 3 oranges change position; the other 7 stay.
• Mistake: Forgetting the new bottom point. Correct approach: The top orange must end up alone at the very bottom.
• Mistake: Tapping SUBMIT before the rows read 4-3-2-1. Correct approach: Confirm the top row has 4, then 3, then 2, then 1 at the bottom, before submitting.