Crack the Code: A Puzzle Challenge!

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Farmtalk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Code Puzzle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The puzzle challenge presented involves determining five numbers based on a set of mathematical clues. The clues specify relationships between the numbers, including their sums and differences. By solving the equations derived from the clues, the correct sequence of numbers is established as 4, 3, 7, 4, and 6. This solution satisfies all provided conditions, confirming the accuracy of the derived numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic algebraic skills for solving equations
  • Understanding of linear equations and their relationships
  • Ability to interpret mathematical clues and constraints
  • Familiarity with problem-solving strategies in puzzles
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice solving linear equations with multiple variables
  • Explore advanced puzzle-solving techniques and strategies
  • Learn about mathematical reasoning and logic puzzles
  • Investigate the use of algebra in real-world problem-solving scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics enthusiasts, puzzle solvers, educators teaching algebra, and anyone interested in logical reasoning challenges will benefit from this discussion.

Farmtalk
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
I posted this on my website a couple days ago. I like puzzles a lot, so I figured I would share it here and see how many people could figure it out; enjoy!;)
A man wanted to get into his work building, but he had forgotten his code. However, he did remember five clues. These are what those clues were:

The fifth number plus the third number equals fourteen.

The fourth number is one more than the second number.

The first number is one less than twice the second number.

The second number plus the third number equals ten.

The sum of all five numbers is 30.

What were the five numbers and in what order?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Hello, Farmtalk!

A man wanted to get into his work building, but he had forgotten his code.
However, he did remember five clues. These are what those clues were:

[1] The fifth number plus the third number equals fourteen.

[2] The fourth number is one more than the second number.

[3] The first number is one less than twice the second number.

[4] The second number plus the third number equals ten.

[5] The sum of all five numbers is 30.

What were the five numbers and in what order?
Let a,b,c,d,e . . be the five numbers, in that order.We are given:

. . [1] \;e+c \,=\,14

. . [2]\;d \,=\,b+1

. . [3]\;a \,=\,2b-1

. . [4]\;b+c \:=\:10

. . [5]\;a+b+c+d+e \,=\,30From [5], we have: .a + b + d + (e+c) \:=\:30

Since e+c\,=\,14 . , we have: .a+b+d+14 \:=\:30
. . Hence: .a+b+d \:=\:16

Substitute [3] and [2]: .(2b-1) + b+ (b+1) \:=\:16

. . 4b \:=\:16 \quad\Rightarrow\quad b \,=\,4Substitute into [3]: .a \:=\:2b-1 \quad\Rightarrow\quad a \,=\,7

Substitute into [4]: .c \:=\:10-b \quad\Rightarrow\quad c \,=\,6

Substitute into [2]: .d \:=\:b+1 \quad\Rightarrow\quad d \,=\,5

Substitute into [3]: .e \:=\:14-c \quad\Rightarrow\quad e \,=\,8Therefore, the code is 74658.
 
That's the number I got! CORRECT! ;)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
950
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K