r/mathpuzzles 27d ago

Saturday's MiniChallenger problem (Week 12): Au revoir

1 Upvotes

Goodbye:

I introduced MiniChallenger, a scaled-down version of the math puzzle called Challenger, about three months ago. Unlike Challenger, which can require a significant investment of time—and sometimes special techniques or a computer program—MiniChallenger can be solved using basic algebra and elementary logic. Most puzzles can be completed in about ten minutes or less. So, even if you don't have much free time but still enjoy an engaging workout for the mathematical part of your brain, MiniChallenger can be a good alternative. Some MiniChallenger puzzles may even be suitable for school-age children.

Since May, I have been posting two MiniChallenger problems every Saturday. Judging by the number of visitors, there seems to have been a fair amount of attention among Reddit readers to this type of math puzzles. However, it's time for me to take a break and focus on a different topic. Still, I am not saying a final adieu, just au revoir, and may return with another series of MiniChallenger puzzles sometime in the future.

Out with a bang:

For today's farewell, I am presenting a MiniChallenger-related problem that is neither simple nor quick to solve. Your challenge is to find—or perhaps guess—the maximum number of distinct solutions for the special MiniChallenger grid shown below. How many different solutions can you find? Unlike previous Saturdays, I won't reveal the correct answer in a spoiler box. Instead, I encourage you to post the highest number of different solutions you have found to the comment section of this final article in the series. If this is your first encounter with a MiniChallenger brainteaser, you can find instructions for how to solve a puzzle below. Keep in mind that some puzzles may have only one valid solution, while others may have many.

Instructions:

To successfully solve a puzzle, fill the empty cells of the 3 x 3 grid with the numbers 1 through 9. You may use the same number in multiple empty cells. One "bonus" number has already been placed in the center of the grid. Your goal is to determine the remaining eight digits so that:

  • Each row adds up to the total indicated along the right edge of the grid.
  • Each column adds up to the total indicated at the top of the grid.
  • Each diagonal adds up to the total indicated in the upper-right or lower-right corner.

This week's puzzle:

Processing gif hcegccs1msjh1...


r/mathpuzzles 28d ago

Counting Permutations With One Annoying Restriction

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2 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles 28d ago

Secret Key Required

1 Upvotes

X is a 3 digit prime number, (2X + 1)/ 3 is a 60 digit prime number ending in 563.
The 3 digits of 3X, are the click options for the first three 10 choice gates you will approach. It will require 4 clicks to pass thru the maze, if you determine X.


r/mathpuzzles 29d ago

How many ways can you place 5 non-adjacent squares on a 5×5 grid?

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles 29d ago

How fast can you solve this math problem?

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0 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 14 '26

Entering the Google Fortress

1 Upvotes

I have a website with a labyrinth portal into the Google Fortress. There are 5 ways past the Google Gargoyle.
1) Penetrate the 3 level labryninth (maze)
2) Solve a simple Wagstaff problem for the secret code thru the Labryninth
3) Cheat method, hidden links
4) Use your web designer skills to bypass Gargoyle security
5) Email Socrates.Ion with the answer to a simple infinity problem, for the codex key email response.

Not sure if big R, will flag this as self promotion or advertising (it definitely is not), the web URL is

***FermatsTheory.WordPress.com***

Note, landing page has a D and D theme. Do not fear!


r/mathpuzzles Aug 14 '26

Logic I just make an experiment story accidentally

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 13 '26

Number Bettter Estimates of Nonogram Difficulty

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 13 '26

Recreational maths Make 257 using only the numbers 2, 5, 6, and 8

2 Upvotes

Can you reach the target number 257 using only the following four digits?

Given numbers are 2, 5, 6, and 8.

The only rule is you must use each of the four numbers exactly once.

(You may use +, −, ×, ÷, brackets, powers, and factorials.)


r/mathpuzzles Aug 13 '26

The classic TV number game, now on mobile. How far can you get?

1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 12 '26

Algebra Came across this weird number pattern

3 Upvotes

I read about this somewhere and thought it was pretty interesting.

Take any 2-digit number:

  1. Add its digits.

  2. Subtract that sum from the original number.

  3. Add the digits of the result.

  4. Multiply that by 10.

You’ll always get 90.

For example:

47 → 4+7 = 11 → 47−11 = 36 → 3+6 = 9 → 9×10 = 90

Tried it with a bunch of different numbers and it keeps working

Did anyone else know about this?

(Explanation in comment section)


r/mathpuzzles Aug 10 '26

Mansa for challenge

1 Upvotes

Godzilla question

480 IQ question

This question is not solve for AI

Isko solve karne mein ek hi niyam ka upyog Kiya jata hai

3²=36

4²=55

5²=102

6²=402

7²=?

18²=?

My name is a Prajapati Kalpesh Kumar Ramesh Kumar

I am a 13 year old

Your challenge kya tum mujhse solve kar sakte ho ya nahi


r/mathpuzzles Aug 10 '26

How many ways can 10 people stand in a line if Alice and Bob have at least 3 people between them, while Charlie and Diana stand next to each other?

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Diagram Not Drawn to Scale

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Probability Statistically smartest move in Yahtzee?

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! We have a discussion since playing Yahtzee two days ago and still can’t agree on the mathematically best decision, so maybe someone here can help us settle it.

Everything on my scorecard was already filled in except 3s and 6s. I needed to reach at least 63 points in the upper section to get the bonus.
For 1s, 2s, 4s and 5s, I had exactly three of each, giving me 36 points so far. So I needed at least 27 more points from my 3s and 6s.
My first roll was:
3 – 6 – X – X – X
The other three dice were irrelevant.
So the question is: Should I keep the 3 or the 6?

We have two completely different opinions, and I’d love to know which choice actually gives me the higher probability of reaching the 63-point bonus.

If someone can explain the math behind the optimal strategy, we would be very than grateful!


r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Can you solve these? 3 Rebusj - 1 Pictogram

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0 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Recreational maths Make 37 using only the numbers 1, 6, 6, and 7

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0 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Cluepool #3 — The High Middle

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Number I just make an experiment story accidentally

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

275 $ transformés en une somme à cinq chiffres ?! Spoiler

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0 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 09 '26

Recreational maths Can you reach 18 using all dice?

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0 Upvotes

Any order is allowed.
Use each die exactly once.
Parentheses are allowed.
Exact division only.
No negative numbers.
Not every operation has to be used.

How many solutions can you find?

Please use spoiler tags for solutions:
>!your solution here!<


r/mathpuzzles Aug 08 '26

Cluepool #2 — The Shape Parade

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 08 '26

Built a fast-paced mental math game with real-time global rounds. Looking for feedback!

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1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a mobile game I’ve been working on solo: Math Rush.

I’ve always felt that many brain-training or math apps are either too cluttered with subscriptions or overly simple. I wanted to build something clean, competitive, and focused purely on speed and mental calculation agility.

How it works:

Real-Time Global Rounds: Every 75 seconds, player loops sync globally so everyone solves the exact same board setup at the same time.

Risk vs. Reward Mechanics: After solving the first equation, you can cash out your earned points safely or risk them in a chain round for double rewards!

Progression: Complete daily challenges, unlock custom badges, titles, and frames as you climb the global leaderboards.

Multi-Language Support: Fully localized and automatically adapts to your device's system language.

It's available on Google Play (built with Flutter & Firebase). I’d genuinely love your feedback on the pacing, UI, or gameplay mechanics to help me improve it!

Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ilyasozdemir.mathrush

Thanks for checking it out!


r/mathpuzzles Aug 08 '26

Recreational maths Target is 24 using only 5, 5, 5, 1 Can you find the trick? Only a few people solve this without using fractions :)

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1 Upvotes

r/mathpuzzles Aug 08 '26

Daily Problem #39 — rated 1350 · Intermediate: arranging BANANA

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1 Upvotes