Did yule solve it? We need to talk about 2024

Earlier today I set you the following problems. Here they are again with solutions.

Puzzle 1 Can you make 24 using only the digits from 1 to 9 and the basic arithmetical operations? Here’s one way that places all the digits in the correct order.

(1²³⁴⁵⁶ x 7) + 8 + 9

Beginner level: find another way.

Advanced level: find another way with the digits in reverse order.

Solution

Here’s one way, courtesy of number guru Inder Taneja:

98 + 7 + 6 – 54 – 32 – 1

Puzzle 2 In each of the examples below, the shapes A to L are either blocks of colour or stencils (i.e. squares with holes in.) The shape on the top is made by placing some of A to L on top of each other. Your task is to work out which stencils/blocks are used and in which order.

Solution D H K J I

Solution A F C G E

Solution K I F L J G

Solution L E I F K J

Solution E L F I C J

You can find more of these stencil puzzles on the app Stenciletto, which can be downloaded from www.smileyworldgames.com.

Happy holidays! I’ll see you next year.

I’ve been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.

This post was originally published on this site