Earlier today I pose the following problems to you. Here they are again with solutions.
Puzzle 1 Can you make 24 using only the numbers 1 to 9 and the basic arithmetic operations? Here is one way that puts all the numbers in the right order.
(123456 x 7) + 8 + 9
Beginner level: find another way.
Advanced level: find another way with the numbers in vice versa order
Solution
Here’s one way, courtesy of number guru Inder Taneja:
98 + 7 + 6 – 54 – 32 – 1
Puzzle 2 In each of the examples below, the shapes A to L are either color blocks or stencils (ie squares with holes in them.) The shape on top is made by stacking A to L on top of each other. Your task is to work out which stencils/squares are used and in which order.
Solution DHKJI
Solution AFCGE
Solution KIFLJG
Solution LEIFKJ
Solution ELFICJ
You can find more of these stencil puzzles on the app Stenciletto, which can be downloaded www.smileyworldgames.com.
Happy Holidays! I’ll see you next year.
I’ve been doing a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the lookout for great puzzles. If you want to suggest one, email me.
