Four numbers – reach the target with operations

Other ways to the same result

How do you play?

You have four numbers and a target. Choose a number, then an operation sign (znak działania), then a second number. The two numbers turn into the result (wynik) of that operation. Repeat until one number is left. If it is the target, you have solved it. You use each number exactly once.

For example, from 2, 3, 4 and 12 you can reach the target 30 like this: 3 · 12 = 36, 2 + 4 = 6, 36 − 6 = 30. After you solve it, you will see other ways to the same result.

The signs are the same as in the Polish eighth-grade exam (egzamin ósmoklasisty): a raised dot · means multiplication (mnożenie) and a colon : means division (dzielenie). Addition is dodawanie and subtraction is odejmowanie.

How do you find a way?

Start from the target. If the target is big, look for a multiplication that gives a number close to it, then add or subtract the difference. If the target is small, try subtraction and division. When you get stuck, click “Undo step” – that is not a mistake, it is part of searching.

Why are there several ways?

You can get the same result with different operations, just as an exam problem can be solved in several ways. Every correct method is a good one. In our lessons we show every problem in at least three ways. The lessons are recorded in Polish, the language of the school and the exam.

Mini glossary: English – Polish

• operation sign – znak działania
• operation – działanie
• result – wynik
• addition – dodawanie
• subtraction – odejmowanie
• multiplication – mnożenie
• division – dzielenie
• eighth-grade exam – egzamin ósmoklasisty