How can I use 4, 4, and 4 to result in the number 31?

  • Thread starter turkldo
  • Start date
In summary, the question is how to use three 4's (and any operation) to result in the number 31. One solution is to use the hyperbolic cosine function, cosh, on the sum of the three 4's. Another option is to use the formula (e^x + e^-x)/2 with exponent 0 to eliminate the use of any 4's. Other methods mentioned include using base 5 and the floor function on the integral of cosh.
  • #1
turkldo
4
0
How can I use 4, 4, and 4 to result in the number 31? You can perform any operation the 4's, but you can only use three 4's.
 
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  • #2
bah! I can do it with only 2 4's:

[cosh(4) + 4] = 31
 
  • #3
what do u mean by cosh.. i didn't understand the h?
 
  • #4
You are required to use all three of the 4's. I should have been more specific...sorry.
 
  • #5
AI,

JCSD used the Hyperbolic Cosine function.

The cosh function operates element-wise on arrays. The function's domains and ranges include complex values. All angles are in radians.

Y = cosh(X) returns the hyperbolic cosine for each element of X.

Now, cosh 4 = 27.308
 
  • #6
how can we do it on a calculator.. i mean the cosh.. or does it have any formula?
 
  • #7
[tex]\cosh x = \frac {e^x + e^{-x}}{2}[/tex]
 
  • #8
I have a TI-85. On it you select 2nd, Math. Next you press F4 for the HYP menu. Then you choose the type of hyperbolic function you want to use.
 
  • #9
turkldo said:
I have a TI-85. On it you select 2nd, Math. Next you press F4 for the HYP menu. Then you choose the type of hyperbolic function you want to use.

Or you could just type in (e^x + e^-x)/2
 
  • #10
4^0 + 4^0 ... + 4^0 = 31

Technically I didn't use any four's since it is exponent 0.

It is possible I know that.

You have many options to work with.
 
  • #11
Is this a brain teaser or a question you found in a mathematics textbook? :smile:
 
  • #12
[tex]4^{4-\sqrt 4} = 31[/tex]

... base 5! :-)
 
  • #13
Oooh. Does this count?

[tex]
{\lfloor}\int_{4}^{4+4} cosh (\theta + \theta + \theta){\rfloor}
[/tex]
 
  • #14
oh, ignore my last post. bah. bad calculator! bad bad!
 

1. How can I use addition to get 31 using three 4's?

One way to use addition is to add 4+4+4+4+4+4+4+3=31.

2. Can I use subtraction to get 31 with three 4's?

Yes, you can use subtraction by taking 4^4-4=31.

3. Is multiplication a possible operation to result in 31 using three 4's?

Yes, you can use multiplication by taking 4x4x4-1=31.

4. How can I use division to get 31 with three 4's?

Yes, you can use division by taking 4^4+4/4=31.

5. Are there any other mathematical operations that can result in 31 using three 4's?

Yes, you can also use exponentiation by taking 4^(4+4/4)=31.

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