Tricky Logic Puzzle with 26 Variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a logic puzzle involving the expression (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)...(x-z). Participants explore the nature of the problem, its presentation, and potential interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the answer to the expression is simple and implies that careful thought is required to see it.
  • Another participant identifies the puzzle as a classic, indicating familiarity with the problem.
  • A third participant presents an alternative formulation of the puzzle using "n" instead of the letters, suggesting that this makes the problem appear more authentic and relevant to sequence formulas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

No consensus is reached regarding the solution or the best way to present the puzzle, as participants offer different perspectives and formulations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions behind the variables or the implications of the proposed formulations, leaving some aspects unresolved.

Tompson Lee
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Can you figure out what the answer of (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)...(x-z) is?
This problem seems very tricky and you might think you need to expand one by one, but if you think carefully, you will find out that the answer is very simple!

Solution:

[YOUTUBE]CnHBE4SbRRs[/YOUTUBE]
 
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That's an old classic puzzle.

I remember someone programming a looper program
to solve this puzzle, but gave up saying:
"I give up: I keep getting zero no matter what"!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I didn't realize that (x - x) until Denis McField gave the hint...
 
This trick puzzle is usually presented this way:

(a-n)*(b-n)*(c-n)* ... *(x-n)*(y-n)*(z-n) = ?

Using "n" makes it look more authentic,
since "n" is part of most sequence formulas.
 

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