The 8, 8, 3, 3 Number Puzzle

I love this number puzzle because it is simple enough for the beginner and tricky enough to stump a mathlete. All you need to know is basic arithmetic!

So how about it? Ready to give it a try?

The 8, 8, 3, 3 Number Puzzle

You are given the numbers 8, 8, 3 and 3. With only the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division use the above numbers to yield 24.

Rules

1. You must treat each number as a complete number. e.g. you can’t take 8 and 3 and put them next to each other to make “83”.
2. You may use the four arithmetic operations as many times as you’d like in your expression. You’re not required to use all of them.
3. You may not use exponents, parenthesis, any other numbers or mathematical operations.
4. You may only use each number once. e.g. your answer will have exactly two 8’s and two 3’s.
5. You must adhere to the rules of mathematics.

For Example

8 • 8 + 3/3 is a valid expression but equals 65 instead of 24. You need to find an expression equalling 24 using only +, –, •, ÷.

Good Luck!

Click here for the solution!

Hint:

Make use of division (think fractions)!

Thanks for reading!

If you learned something new please recommend this piece. And be sure to follow Math Memoirs for more tutorials!