An interesting Numbers Puzzle .

jay_shark · #1 03-30-2007, 01:53 PM

Using only the numbers as often as they appear , how can you make 0 using 1/2,1/2,1/2,1/2,1/2,1/2,8,12,6,1 and only using the operations (+-*) .

snowden719 · #2 03-30-2007, 02:37 PM

(.5 *12-6)+ (.5*.5*.5*8-1) + (.5 -.5)

jay_shark · #3 03-30-2007, 02:42 PM

Very nice .

I came up with this problem in a way which allows you to solve it without using trial and error . A bit of luck is needed but it's not so bad .

I'm curious how many solutions there are to this one .

alphatmw · #4 03-30-2007, 02:51 PM

[8/(12/6)]-1-0.5-0.5-0.5-0.5-0.5-0.5

jay_shark · #5 03-30-2007, 02:53 PM

You used division but that's ok . I'll allow it :P

LCposter · #6 03-31-2007, 02:42 AM

I'm assuming there is an implied prohibition against having zero as an operand of any multiplication?

Otherwise, (1/2 - 1/2) * ...
Or, (1/2 + 1/2 - 1) * ...
etc.

FortunaMaximus · #7 03-31-2007, 03:15 AM

6 - (12 - 8) - 1 - 1 + 1 - 1 = 0

Nice bit with the * tho.