New Year's Eve puzzle

Steve Bailey · Dec 31, 2020

Kicking Tarik1978's puzzle
http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=127694
up a notch:

Using the keys available on the Microsoft calculator in scientific mode create an equation to make this correct for all integer n from 1 to 9.

1 1 1 =n
2 2 2 =n
3 3 3 =n
4 4 4 =n
5 5 5 =n
6 6 6 =n
7 7 7 =n
8 8 8 =n
9 9 9 =n

You must tap the applicable numeric key on the calculator exactly three times for each of the 81 solutions.

bright676 · Dec 31, 2020

Stupid

Steve Bailey · Dec 31, 2020

Glad you like it.

kalabdel · Dec 31, 2020

If it's stupid the what do I say about my math skills, I realized after sending my solution that I used four key strokes. But then again I don't have microsfot calculator on my blackberry.

Steve Bailey · Dec 31, 2020

I didn't mean you can't tap any of the other keys on the calculator. You can use as many non-numeric keys as often as necessary.

Example:

7 7 7 = 7

If you want to use \/7 * \/7 + ? = 7 for your equation you'll need to find an expression that contains the numeral 7 and evaluates to zero.
If you want to use (\/7 * \/7) / ? = 7 you'll need an expression that evaluates to 1 using only a single instance of the numeral 7.

L D[AR2P#0.0] · Jan 1, 2021

Do you have to press the '=' button to get the result?

drbitboy · Jan 1, 2021

L D[AR2 said:
Do you have to press the '=' button to get the result?

interesting question. I would suppose not, but it does say "an equation," so maybe it is necessary.

I only needed + and = and / (divide)* to do 7 of the 9 n values for all source numbers, and added the [x] key (times; multiply) for one of the rest and the [-] key for the other.

* Update:. Whoops I forgot divide in the first attempt at this post.

kalabdel · Jan 1, 2021

I clearly did not understand the puzzle and probably still don't.

n is 1-9 for every case? So 1 1 1 = 1or 2 or 3..... 9 ?

Steve Bailey · Jan 1, 2021

1 1 1 = 1 example solution 1 * 1 * 1 = 1
2 2 2 = 1 example solution (\/2 * \/2) / 2 = 1
3 3 3 = 1
etc
8 8 8 = 1
9 9 9 = 1

1 1 1 = 2 example solution (1 + 1) * 1 = 2
2 2 2 = 2
3 3 3 = 2 example solution 3 - (3 / 3) = 2
etc
8 8 8 = 2
9 9 9 = 2

1 1 1 = 3 example solution 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
2 2 2 = 3
3 3 3 = 3 example solution (3 * 3) / 3 = 3
etc
8 8 8 = 3
9 9 9 = 3

etc

1 1 1 = 9
2 2 2 = 9
3 3 3 = 9 example solution 3 + 3 + 3 = 9
etc
8 8 8 = 9 example solution 8 + (8 / 8) = 9
9 9 9 = 9

Solutions (acceptable) so far from drbitboy and LD[AR2,P#0.0] that take advantage of the quirks of the calculator operation. Nobody has yet attempted a complete set of equations in the form outlined above.

L D[AR2P#0.0] · Jan 1, 2021

7 to go....

Toine · Jan 1, 2021

I'm just past half way through and my brain hurts. Off to bed and continue tomorrow.

Steve Bailey · Jan 2, 2021

Excellent sets of solutions from both LD[AR2, P#0.0] and Tarik1978. They each had a different "Go to" method for the more difficult ones.

Steve Bailey · Jan 2, 2021

Another complete set from Toine.

Steve Bailey · Jan 4, 2021

Another solution set from ndzied1 who said working them out made him dizzy.

Toine · Jan 4, 2021

I can relate to that. Then again I am recovering from sickness so may also be attributed to that.

New Year's Eve puzzle

Steve Bailey

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bright676

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Steve Bailey

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kalabdel

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Steve Bailey

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L D[AR2P#0.0]

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drbitboy

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kalabdel

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Steve Bailey

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L D[AR2P#0.0]

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Toine

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Steve Bailey

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Steve Bailey

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Steve Bailey

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Toine

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