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53 members have voted

Ace2
Ace2
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Wizard
June 15th, 2026 at 4:45:07 PM permalink
Original solution still valid, but here’s a more efficient way to get 14.

((10 + 5 + 7*3)^.5 + 5*2)^.5 + 5*2=14

Multiplication is shown for simplicity but can be accomplished using addition only. Highest number displayed is 36

The last math puzzle (beer jugs) also used fives and sevens as the only valid inputs. Coincidence??
It’s all about making that GTA
AutomaticMonkey
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Wizard
June 15th, 2026 at 5:38:30 PM permalink
What, nobody's going to try the negative root?



√ 5+5+5+5+5= -5

+7= 2

+7+7= 16

√ 16 =-4

+7+7= 10

+5+5+5= 25

√25= -5

+5+7+7= 14

Ace2
Ace2
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June 15th, 2026 at 6:29:22 PM permalink
The problem says you’re using a calculator. Show me a calculator that gives a negative value for a square root.

Also, how does √ 5+5+5+5+5= -5 ?
It’s all about making that GTA
AutomaticMonkey
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June 15th, 2026 at 7:16:24 PM permalink
Quote: Ace2

The problem says you’re using a calculator. Show me a calculator that gives a negative value for a square root.

Also, how does √ 5+5+5+5+5= -5 ?
link to original post



The ASCII radical sign available here, that's just how it looks, no way to extend it over the whole statement. I suppose I should have used parentheses.

And I'll show you a calculator that gives a negative square root when you show me one that can only add 5 and add 7 and take square roots! This is a very unusual calculator to begin with, and unless stipulated we can make no assumptions about which square root.
Wizard
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Wizard
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June 15th, 2026 at 11:01:08 PM permalink
All submitted answers look correct. Well done group!

I got this one from one of my puzzle videos from the Ted-Ed YouTube channel. This one is titled, "Can you solve the giant cat army riddle? - Dan Finkel"


Direct: https://youtu.be/YeMVoJKn1Tg?si=RCtKeyqbfmB5oj0J
"My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplace of existence. These little problems help me to do so." -- Sherlock Holmes
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