MHB How to Make 24 with 21, 20, 22, and 6 Using Basic Operations?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Monoxdifly
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To achieve the target number 24 using 21, 20, 22, and 6 with basic operations, the solution is 21 + 6 divided by (22 - 20). The calculation simplifies to 21 + 6 / 2, which equals 24. The user initially struggled with the problem but quickly realized the solution. This demonstrates the importance of careful consideration in mathematical operations. The discussion highlights a successful method for reaching the desired total.
Monoxdifly
MHB
Messages
288
Reaction score
0
How to make 24 with the numbers 21, 20, 22, and 6 each once using only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division? If only the number 22 was replaced with 23 I could do that, but how can I do it with the given numbers?

- - - Updated - - -

Never mind, I get it. It's 21 + 6 : (22 - 20). Can't believe I am this stupid.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
How about:

$$21+\frac{6}{22-20}=24$$
 
Seemingly by some mathematical coincidence, a hexagon of sides 2,2,7,7, 11, and 11 can be inscribed in a circle of radius 7. The other day I saw a math problem on line, which they said came from a Polish Olympiad, where you compute the length x of the 3rd side which is the same as the radius, so that the sides of length 2,x, and 11 are inscribed on the arc of a semi-circle. The law of cosines applied twice gives the answer for x of exactly 7, but the arithmetic is so complex that the...
Is it possible to arrange six pencils such that each one touches the other five? If so, how? This is an adaption of a Martin Gardner puzzle only I changed it from cigarettes to pencils and left out the clues because PF folks don’t need clues. From the book “My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles”. Dover, 1994.
Back
Top