Mathmatical poser

[CluelessUser]

My lovely mother has just e-mailed me a lovely little mathmatical poser which has been wrecking my head for the last couple of hours and I still have no idea what the solution is.

4/6=4 Add 2 digits which must be the same number to make this equation work

You're not allowed to add anything other than 2 digits which must be the same number. i.e you can't add in a + - / = * etc.

Someone intelligent help me out please.

I'll let you know if I get the answer by any other means.

 

[Oorang]

When they say "add" do they mean perform addition, or concatenate? That is:
4+19 = 23
23+1 = 24
24/6=4

Or are they looking for you to actually concate 2 digits to any segment of the equation?

I am pretty sure that is it.... Unless I goofed the code. Look:

Sub FindSolution()
Dim x As Byte
Dim y As Byte
Dim n As Integer
For x = 0 To 9
For y = 0 To 9
    n = x & y & 4
    If n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
Next y
Next x
For x = 0 To 9
For y = 0 To 9
    n = x & y & 6
    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
Next y
Next x
For x = 0 To 9
For y = 0 To 9
    n = x & y & 6
    If 4 / 6 = n Then MsgBox n
Next y
Next x
End Sub

The only thing this finds is 24. So if it is concatenetation then the it's 024.

 

[CluelessUser]

This isn't an Excel related puzzle so it has nothing to do with concatenating numbers. I only posted this on this forum because I know you lot are intelligent and good with numbers.

The question is asking you to insert 2 of the same digits in to the formula

For example..... 4/6=4 could become 24/6=42 (Which is incorrect but it shows the right thinking)

 

[Oorang]

Then as the code demonstrates... There is no possible solution if you cannot add operators or use leading zeros.

 

[Oaktree]

I have the feeling it's something like =4/16=1/4 and the person gave you the instructions wrong, as it requires the extra "/"

 

[CluelessUser]

I am assured there is a solution. I have do idea what it is though.

I've tried thinking outside the box but it's too bloody cold out there.

 

[Oorang]

Wait my proof is not exhaustive... hang on a sec will post back.

 

[CluelessUser]

Wait my proof is not exhaustive...

Well you are certainly right there.

I have just been given the answer. It is actually quite simple when you know the answer.

I have written the answer below in WHITE text so for anyone that wants more time to try and work it out for themselves they can't see it. If you do want to know then highlight the text to be able to see it.

Answer is between here.....

4⁴/64=4........ That's 4 to the power of 4 divided by 64 equals 4

....and here.

 

[Oorang]

This breaks the rule of your original post! You said:

You're not allowed to add anything other than 2 digits which must be the same number. i.e you can't add in a + - / = * etc.

And by those rules there is not solution... And here is proof:

Sub Test()
Dim x As Byte, y As Byte
Dim n As Integer
For x = 0 To 9: For y = 0 To 9
    n = x & y & 4:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = y & x & 4:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = 4 & y & x:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = 4 & x & y:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = y & 4 & x:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = x & 4 & y:    If 4 / 6 = n Or n / 6 = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = x & y & 6:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = y & x & 6:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = 6 & y & x:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = 6 & x & y:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = y & 6 & x:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
    n = x & 6 & y:    If 4 / n = 4 Then MsgBox n
Next y: Next x
End Sub

 

[CluelessUser]

Firstly, I didn't create the question or the answer, I just posted it on here looking for some help so please don't shoot the messenger.

Secondly, I think the answer does fit within the rules, it adds 2 of the same number to the original equation to create a correct result.