T he Main Challenge
Try the following Mathelona-style challenge, similar to those found in our pocket book of number puzzles.
0 0 1 2 2 2 2 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8
◯ + ◯ = 6 = ◯ + ◯
◯ + ◯ = 5 = ◯ – ◯
◯ + ◯ = 12 = ◯ × ◯
◯ + ◯ = 7 = ◯ ÷ ◯
Your task is to make all four lines work out arithmetically by placing the 16 listed digits into the 16 gaps. Can you complete it?
The 7puzzle Challenge
The playing board of the 7puzzle game is a 7-by-7 grid containing 49 different numbers, ranging from 2 up to 84.
The 2nd & 4th rows of the playing board contain the following fourteen numbers:
3 8 10 17 28 32 35 44 48 54 55 60 63 64
From the list, find two pairs of numbers that each have a difference of 29.
The Lagrange Challenge
Lagrange’s Four-Square Theorem states that every positive integer can be made by adding up to four square numbers.
For example, 7 can be made by 2²+1²+1²+1² (or 4+1+1+1).
There are NINE different ways to make 231 when using Lagrange’s Theorem. How many can you find?
The Mathematically Possible Challenge
Using 2, 4 and 8 once each, with + – × ÷ available, which are the SIX numbers it is possible to make from the list below?
8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80
#8TimesTable
The Target Challenge
Can you arrive at 231 by inserting 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 into the gaps below?
- ◯×◯–◯–◯÷◯ = 231
Answers can be found here.
Click Paul Godding for details of online maths tuition.
