Question

a) remove 3 sticks to leave 3 squares
b) remove 3 sticks to leave 5 squares
c) remove 5 sticks to leave 2 squares

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze part a

We need to break down non - essential connections to form 3 squares. Remove 3 sticks in a way that breaks the extra structure. For example, remove 3 sticks that are part of the internal connections between the squares.

Step2: Analyze part b

To get 5 squares, we need to carefully select 3 sticks to remove such that we don't destroy the square - forming structure too much. We can target sticks that are on the boundaries of the combined square structure but don't break the overall square formation.

Step3: Analyze part c

For leaving 2 squares, we need to remove 5 sticks. We should focus on removing sticks that separate the existing squares and leave only 2 distinct square shapes.

Answer:

a) There are multiple solutions. One way is to remove 3 non - adjacent internal sticks that connect the squares.
b) One possible solution is to remove 3 sticks that are on the outer part of the structure in a way that 5 distinct squares remain.
c) One way is to remove 5 sticks such that two separate squares are left, for example, remove sticks that separate two large or small squares from the rest of the structure.