The Four Fours - The Second Problem.

In the book "The Man Who Calculated", by Malba Tahan, the "four fours" problem is an intriguing mathematical challenge. The idea is to use exactly four instances of the number 4 and mathematical operations to represent all the integers from 1 to 100.

For example, to form the number 1:

(4+4)/(4+4)=1

For the number 2:

(4/4)+(4/4)=2

Exemplo de uma imagem.

For the number 3:

(4+4+4)/4=3

For the number 5:

(4+4+4)/4+1=5

For the number 6:

(4+4)−(4/4)=6

For the number 10:

(4+4)+(4/4)=10

Exemplo de uma imagem.

For the number 15:

(4×4)−(4/4)=15

For the number 20:

4×(4+4)/4=20

For the number 24:

4×4+4−4=24

And so on, using different combinations of operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even functions like square roots or factorials.

The challenge, in this case, is to find combinations for the numbers and explore mathematical logic. Each number presented stimulates creativity and challenges the mind to think precisely.

After Beremiz demonstrated his operations with four digits, he captured everyone's attention, showing how mathematics can be intriguing and fun in everyday life, as well as very useful.

The store clerk, impressed, gifted him a blue turban worth 4 dinars, highlighting the importance of mathematics, knowledge, and intelligence in human relationships.