Time for MATH MINUTE! (provide your favorite theme music here).  Get out your paper & pencil, because I have a new puzzle for you!!


 

PUZZLE #1   An oldie but a goodie!        Sept. 11 – 15

 

       First, write down the numbers  123456789  in that order.

       Next, insert one plus sign  +  and two minus signs  - , -  so that the resulting numbers total exactly 100.

 

       FOR EXAMPLE: You could try  12+345-67-89, but that does not work, why not?  Or you could try  1234-5+678-9, but that does not work either?  Hmmm??

 

         Can you do it?

         Is it possible??

         Try it – and have fun!

 

         If this is too hard, try this warmup puzzle:

         Use the numbers 12345 in that order and follow the above instructions inserting one plus sign + and two minus signs  - , - so that the total is exactly 10. 

       Then go back to the puzzle above.

 

         If this was too easy, try this BONUS PUZZLE:

         Is there more than one way to work this puzzle??

 

         Send your comments, ideas and solutions before Friday Sept. 15 to the email below, and in the subject line be sure to put:  MM

                                     parksjm@potsdam.edu

         Visit us here online at:

                           http://www2.potsdam.edu/parksjm/MM.htm 

to see the results every Friday.

         See you next time on MATH MINUTE!  (theme music fades out here).