Generating Solutions for a Challenging Puzzle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on generating solutions for a mathematical puzzle involving integer pairs (X, Y) that satisfy specific conditions. The user has identified a total of 2,352 possible quads [X, Y, S, P], where S is the sum (X + Y) and P is the product (X * Y). After applying the first condition regarding prime numbers and unique factors, 1,747 quads remain. The user seeks further clarification on additional criteria for removing quads, particularly concerning unique sums and other mathematical properties related to S.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic number theory concepts, including prime numbers and unique factors.
  • Familiarity with the Goldbach Conjecture and its implications for even and odd sums.
  • Knowledge of combinatorial mathematics to generate and filter integer pairs.
  • Experience with programming logic to implement filtering algorithms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Goldbach Conjecture and its relevance to odd sums in number theory.
  • Explore algorithms for generating and filtering integer pairs based on mathematical properties.
  • Learn about unique sums and their significance in combinatorial problems.
  • Investigate additional mathematical properties that may affect the validity of integer pairs in puzzles.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, programmers working on combinatorial problems, and enthusiasts of number theory puzzles will benefit from this discussion.

JamesBwoii
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Hi, I'm doing some programming work with regards to this puzzle.

Impossible Puzzle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have to generating the solutions to the the resulting solutions after the four following sentences are said.

  1. P says "I cannot find these numbers."
  2. S says "I was sure that you could not find them. I cannot find them either."
  3. P says "Then, I found these numbers."
  4. S says "If you could find them, then I also found them."

I am creating a list of quads, [X,Y,S,P] where X and Y are the two integers where

  • 0 < X < Y
  • S = X + Y
  • S < 100
  • P = X * Y

So firstly I generated every single possibility which is 2352 possible quads.

Then after sentence 1 is said I remove a quad if P is a prime number or if P has two unique factors. In other words if P can only be made from 2 possible numbers it is removed. This leaves 1747 quads. I know this is correct.

From there on I am a little confused. I know that unique sums need to be removed but I have been told that that is not enough and other quads need removing, but I can't think what else would mean that it would need to be removed.

Thank you.
 
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Pretty sure I've figured it out now.

  • S is odd(Goldbach Conjecture).
  • S is not of the form Q+2 where Q is prime.
  • S is less than 55.
 

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