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Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Brain Teaser...

Assume you are using a basic calculator and press the numbers in the order shown, replacing each question mark with a mathematical sign.

You can use the plus, minus, multiply and divide keys but each once only.

3 ? 5 ? 9 ? 6 ? 2 =

In which order should they be used to score 3 ?

and in which order should they be used to score 33 ?

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:08 pm

    3 x 5 - 9 / 6 + 2 ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:11 am

    don't forget what we call "Punktrechnung vor Strichrechnung" in german language, means, you first multiply and divide and second step you add and subtract.
    What is the english expression for this term?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good point Hanky. We have the same expression in English. We use the term BODMAS. Whihc stands for: brackets, of, division, mutliplication, addition, subtraction.

    In this particular case this doesn't apply though. We do one step at a time with the keys of a calculator rather than seeing the problem as a whole.

    ReplyDelete
  4. And yes you are correct anon.

    3 x 5 = 15
    15 - 9 = 6
    6 / 6 = 1
    1 + 2 = 3

    Can anyone get the second one right with 33?

    ReplyDelete
  5. 3+5=8
    8x9=72
    72-6=66
    66/2=33

    Another cash prize!! £100 via paypal will finance coffee shop visits in Amsterdam next week. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well done Bryan. Only £100 for "coffee". You're not having the strong stuff then? :)

    ReplyDelete

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