-Must add up to 24 -Can only use set of given numbers $\ once $ -Can only use $\ basic $ operations, this includes multiplication, division, addition and subtract Given set: {1,3,4,6} In the booklet I was reading it said "a problem like this can be used to define how "hacking" is defined as." .. I was off. My younger brother asked to use exponential equations. I didn't actually try, didn't seem to be much of use.

Question

-Must add up to 24
-Can only use set of given numbers $\ once $
-Can only use $\ basic $ operations, this includes multiplication, division, addition and subtract

Given set: {1,3,4,6} 

In the booklet I was reading it said "a problem like this can be used to define how "hacking" is defined as."

>.< How would you actually solve it, after trying 3 different methods, I re-read the instruction >.> I was off. My younger brother asked to use exponential equations. I didn't actually try, didn't seem to be much of use.

parthkohli · Answer

Can we use brackets here?  I came up with...$$6 \div (1 -(3\div 4))$$

parthkohli · Answer

There's no multiplication in there though.

parthkohli · Answer

Oh, no addition either.

hero · Answer

It's legal

the_fizicx99 · Answer

It says you can use them, it's not necessary. And yes, that's one of the solutions.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

There's one I'm really interested in solving, but it's midway through the book. They're scattered throughout the book. I read up to the 15th page just because I wanted to see if it matched my solution.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

That would be 4 * 5 = 20 not 24

parthkohli · Answer

Ooh, I found the one I wrote on Yahoo Answers too.

parthkohli · Answer

Oh, dammit.  That's actually 8.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

How is that 8? o.o

parthkohli · Answer

$$3+1 = 4$$$$6 -4 = 2$$

parthkohli · Answer

Well, anyway, I hope the first answer really is legit.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

Yes the first one is legit. There's a few more I believe. >.< I have to wait though .-.

terenzreignz · Answer

Forgive my naivete... but what's an exponential equation (in this context)?

parthkohli · Answer

Probably exponents.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

^ It involves logs @terenzreignz

parthkohli · Answer

Ah lol, hacky way$$\log_3(1) + 4 \times 6$$

terenzreignz · Answer

I thought you meant actual exponents XD
$$\Large 1^3(4\cdot6)$$

the_fizicx99 · Answer

xD I thought about using them too. I wasn't allowed .-.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

Well I have to get off for a while :/

parthkohli · Answer

Whoa Terence, that was beautiful. ;_;

terenzreignz · Answer

You overreact parth XD
Besides, exponents aren't allowed methinks?

the_fizicx99 · Answer

Nope

parthkohli · Answer

Yeah - but that solution was pretty cool.

the_fizicx99 · Answer

Though exponents should be allowed >.> x^2 = x * x which is valid >.>

parthkohli · Answer

But again, you can use something only once.

terenzreignz · Answer

It would involve using x twice, though, violating one of the rules ^_^

the_fizicx99 · Answer

But that would be a repeating term, 1^3 = 1 * 1 * 1

the_fizicx99 · Answer

Wow we all said that >.<

parthkohli · Answer

lol

terenzreignz · Answer

Talk about 'repeating', eh :D

parthkohli · Answer

ZOMG.

anonymous · Answer

..so who ever can solve this can say they are a hacker? ^_^

anonymous · Answer

$$\frac{ 6 }{ 1-(3/4) }$$

the_fizicx99 · Answer

No, it said solving problems like this is what "defines" hacking. I'm still reading into it.

The term hacking is tossed around allot.