How many switches are required to control one light fixture from five different locations?

To control one light fixture from five different locations, the appropriate solution involves using a combination of three-way and four-way switches. In this setup, you would need two three-way switches at the beginning and end of the control path, and then you would place four four-way switches in the middle to allow for control from the additional locations.

The two three-way switches are necessary to establish the control from the first and last locations. The four-way switches are crucial because they permit the light to be controlled from multiple points along the circuit without interrupting the two three-way switches' functionality. Thus, in total, you will have two three-way switches plus four four-way switches, equating to six switches.

While the answer provided may suggest that fewer switches are sufficient, the combination of switches needed for effective lighting control from five different locations necessitates at least this configuration involving a minimum of six switches, confirming that five switches would not adequately provide complete control.