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How To Really Solve The Three 3s Problem?
This math puzzle features a novel concept that you are likely not aware of!
The Three 3s Problem is a fascinating mathematical puzzle set that I stumbled upon recently. As I began solving it, things looked straightforward and I was beginning to get bored. That was until the final leg of the problem caught me out — a little bit of a mathematical plot twist if you will.
At the end of the experience, I thought this problem was well worth sharing. So, here we are. The problem has fairly simple rules. I have modified the rules of the original problem to be more restrictive in this article for two reasons:
1. To reduce the complexity of the mathematics involved with the solutions, and
2. To make the puzzles more accessible to readers.
Without any further ado, let’s jump straight into the rules of the game.
The Three 3s Problem — The Rules
As I mentioned previously, the rules are pretty straightforward. All that you have to do is complete the following ten equation sets using only mathematical sign manipulations around the existing three 3s in each incomplete equation.
In order to achieve this, you are allowed to use the following mathematical signs only: ( ), +, –, *, /, and !
Now that you know the rules, I will demonstrate the solution for (arguably) the easiest equation of the whole set. After this, you may choose to solve the remaining equations on your own before continuing to read the article.
Sample Solution for the three 3s problem
Arguably, the easiest equation to solve is the ninth one which equates to a ‘9’.
The reason is when we add ‘3’ to itself thrice, we end up with ‘9’ as the answer. In other words, all we will need to do is introduce two ‘+’ signs as follows to complete the equation:
