T he Main Challenge
Here’s a 12-step number trail involving + – × ÷ and the numbers 4 and 5.
Start with the number 5, then:
- +5
- ÷5
- multiply by 4
- subtract 4
- ×5
- add 5
- divide by 5
- add 4
- –5
- ÷4
- +4
- ÷5
What is your final answer?
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 3rd & 6th rows of the playing board contain the following fourteen numbers:
5 12 13 18 20 25 33 36 42 45 49 56 66 80
How many square numbers are listed above?
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 TEN different ways to make 238 when using Lagrange’s Theorem. How many of them can you find?
The Mathematically Possible Challenge
Using 2, 5 and 10 once each, with + – × ÷ available, which are the SIX numbers it is possible to make from the list below?
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
#5TimesTable
The Target Challenge
Can you arrive at 238 by inserting 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 into the gaps below?
- ◯×◯×◯+◯–◯ = 238
Answers can be found here.
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