Mathmatical poser

[Oorang]

Ahh... You're right. I misinterpreted the question Doh!

 

[Oaktree]

In that case, there is more than 1 solution:

4^4/64 = 4 and 4^1/1^6=4 would both work.

 

[CluelessUser]

In that case, there is more than 1 solution:

4^4/64 = 4 and 4^1/1^6=4 would both work.

The problem with 4^1/1^6=4 is that the 6 is already in the original equation as a regualar 6 and you need to change it to a superscript 6.
Minor detail I admit, but true none the less. Good thinking though.

 

[Oaktree]

Well, if they're going to go that route, the 6 is probably close enough to the = sign to prevent the insertion of the 4 after the 6

 

[Greg Truby]

It's a neat puzzle - one I'd seen before, but it had been long enough ago that I'd forgotten the solution. But it is a bit "sneaky" in that when one says that you cannot insert another operator, the implication is that one cannot insert another operation which leads one to mentally cross using exponentiation from the list of things you can do.

 

[Oorang]

I feels cheap & violated