TARGET: a daily numbers puzzle
TARGET is a daily arithmetic puzzle. You are given six numbers and a target, and you combine the numbers with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to reach it.
Each number can be used once at most, and you do not have to use them all. Every step has to give a positive whole number: no fractions and no negatives.
Hitting the target exactly earns gold, landing within 3 earns silver and within 10 earns bronze. You can submit up to three times and your best attempt counts.
How to play TARGET
- Combine the six numbers with + − × ÷ to reach the target. Use each number at most once.
- Every step must give a positive whole number: no fractions and no negatives.
- Gold for hitting the target exactly, silver for landing within 3, bronze within 10.
- You may submit up to three times; your best counts. Gold with the fewest operations scores most.
Tips
- Look for a multiplication that gets you close in one step, then adjust with the small numbers.
- Work backwards. If the target is a multiple of one of your numbers, divide it out and aim for the result.
- A difference of two large numbers can make a useful small number you were not given.
- A gold that uses fewer operations scores more than one that uses all six numbers.
- If an exact answer will not come, bank a silver or bronze, then keep looking with your remaining submissions.
Common questions
Do I have to use all six numbers?
No. Use as many as you need, each once at most.
Is there always an exact solution?
Yes. Every TARGET puzzle is checked to have at least one way to hit the target exactly.
How many attempts do I get?
Three submissions. Your best result is the one that counts.
Can I use brackets?
You build the sum one step at a time, which does the same job as brackets.
How is TARGET scored?
Out of 1,000. Gold scores more than silver or bronze, and a gold reached in the fewest operations scores most.
A new puzzle every day
TARGET has one puzzle a day, released at midnight UK time and the same for everyone. It is free, and you can play without an account. Finish it to keep your streak going and to see where you stand on the leaderboards.
More maths puzzles on Puzzleroo
- EQUATE — Find the hidden equation that makes the total.