Brain Teasers
Letter Math
A, B, C, D, E, represent the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, but not in that order. Can you work out what they are?
E + B + D = CA
B * D = CA
A * B + E = CD
E + B + D = CA
B * D = CA
A * B + E = CD
Hint
Work out all the possible sums of three numbers; 1-5Work out all the possible products of two numbers 1-5
You should be able to get CA and E from this.
Answer
To check:A = 2
B = 4
C = 1
D = 3
E = 5
5 + 4 + 3 = 12
4 * 3 = 12
2 * 4 + 5 = 13
Solution:
There is only one sum of three numbers that will give a possible double digit number:
3 + 4 + 5= 12
C=1
A=2
(Must be more than 9, 10 is not possible because there is no zero, and the digits must be different so it can't be 11; can't get higher than 12 with three numbers)
There are only two numbers which will give a product of 12. 3 and 4
B + D are 3 and 4 (although you don't know which) but B + D = 7 so
E=5
2 * B + 5 = 13
B = 4
D = 3
Hope you liked it!
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Comments
I enjoy these kind of puzzles - but isn't 2*4+5=13? Other than that, well done.
Peacejo is right: 2*4+5=13 and not 12. But it was nice anyway.
May 06, 2002
I got to give props to PeaceJo
It's a shame to go through all that trouble and not have your facts straight. I know what it's like. Nice try. I'd like to see more of those.
Sorry, I alter these a lot to try and make them easier/harder I think I forgot to update that bit. Very sorry. I'll try to improve my quality control!
Aug 31, 2002
Another incorrect teaser by cathal. Is this the same cathal who ruthlessly hunts down other submitters and rips ther teasers to shreds if the answer is incorrect? yet has the largest amount of incorrect teaser than any one else on this whole site?
yes alph, it sure is. Mind you, I have to say that when cath does get a teaser posted without errors it was a good one.
cathalmccabe, I think B=3 and D=4. Besides that I love your puzzle.
I loved it. im 10 so it streched my brain but it was kind of easy!
Good teaser. I love math, and this was fun to figure out.
I'm a math-freak, so it was easy but also very enjoyable. Great job
i dont see any mistake with question or answer.maybe it was changed later
It still has mistakes in it after 7 years on the site. It currently reads C = 1 and C = 4. They can't both be true!
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