[net.math] ABCDE puzzle

thomas (07/16/82)

	"That's too easy, it took me 5 minutes to write a program ..."

Well, it took me less than 2 minutes to solve the problem with pen and paper
and a little reasoning.

Why are computer people so enamored of the brute force approach to problem
solving?

=Spencer

jce (07/16/82)

Yes, it's too easy.  It took less than 5 minutes without a program.
The key is to see that since the answer has the same number of digits
as the multiplicand, there can be no carry out.  This limits the range
of A, which limits E, etc.

smann (07/16/82)

Simple puzzle - took less than 10 minutes without a computer

     S. Mann ihuxv!smann

jpj (07/16/82)

Why is it that some of us are so compelled to brag about our inate talents?
So you can solve a problem in 30 seconds, who cares?  I suspect that
the goal of any such *puzzle* is to make you *think.*

Alas, it doesn't seem to help make any of us humble.

Cheers...
Jim Jenal
BTL/CB

djj (07/16/82)

Come on folks, is this newsgroup net.math or net.i_can_write_a_program????
Brainteasers and puzzlers are quite fascinating to me for the sheer
joy of mental calculation (and usually a bit of frustration).  Many times
I can envision the algorithm to exhaustively search out the solution,
but this takes all the fun out of it.  Granted, this problem was relatively
simple; why not explore with your math abilities and not your programming
abilities?

This might be considered a flame (sorry), but I think it is more of a statement
of purpose and philosophy.  Let's have some real tough ones for us
"pencil and paper" math-types.

Dave Johnson
BTL - PY

P.S. By the way the answer is . . .       (naw, I won't spoil it either)