Numbers Game

Derive the target number from 6 selected numbers and operators +, -, x & /.

Numbers Game is a great game for those with a mathematical or numerical bent. Each round is quick to play. It can be played by any number of players - as many as can see the device display (mirroring the device display on a TV is a great way to play it). Each player also requires a pen and paper. It can, of course, also be played by one person as a pastime.

The game is about taking 6 numbers, and trying to use some or all of these numbers to derive a given target number through the use of standard arithmetic operators: +, -, x and /. So, for example, given the target number of 464, and available numbers: 2, 3, 7, 7, 8, and 9, the objective is to show that these can be used to evaluate to 464, e.g.

7x9=63

7x63=441

3x8=24

441+24=465

465-1=464

The target can be designed by the system, so that the target is achievable with the selected numbers, or can be random, so that it may or may not be achievable.

For a random target, as soon as the countdown starts, the system begins a series of solution-generation cycles, in which possible solutions using the 6 numbers, or a subset of them, are produced, and the best solution generated is identified. When comparing two solutions, the best is the nearest to the target, or, if they are both as near, the best is the one that uses the fewer of the 6 numbers. After the countdown stops, or even before this, you may tap the solution box. The best solution found so far is presented in the solution box.

If you're watching a Numbers Game on TV, you may use the central keypad to specify the selected numbers to be the same as on TV, and also to specify the target to be the same as on TV. You can then use the system's solution finder to try to find a solution before the TV contestants or the expert.

Numbers Game is also available on i.compactfun.com. The app can be downloaded from there for Android devices with no access to the PlayStore, or for those with other operating systems to play over the web on their browsers.

The app is also available from i.compactfun.com if you cannot download from the Play Store. A web-based version that can be played on most browsers is also there.