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  • (January 12, 2023, 01:18:11 AM)

Author Topic: Hexagonal Number Puzzle  (Read 6317 times)

Ninfyr

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Hexagonal Number Puzzle
« on: February 25, 2011, 09:16:28 PM »



"Place the numbers 1-19 in the hexagon so that each vertical and diagonal line have the same total."

Me and a colleague where discussing this puzzle and was debating how the instruction should be interpreted. We came up with three potental ways to solve the puzzle.

1. the number 1-19 can be repeated, all sides totaling to 38. (can't be solved this way.)
2. the numbers 1-19 can not be repeated, all sides totaling to 38. (can't be solved this way.)
3.  the numbers 1-19 can not be repeated. totals add up with the corresponding number of hexes vertical or diagonal.


We discussed it for 15 or 20 minutes. As unlikely the interpretation of my colleague is. It's more solvable than the other ways. Unfortunately I don't have the name, only the first image (I drew it in MS paint) and the instructions quoted above. If anyone has any ideas or leads to the solution I'd love to hear it.
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Min

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Re: Hexagonal Number Puzzle
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2011, 10:04:00 AM »

I assumed that they can't be repeated.  I don't understand the rest of the dilemma.  It can't be solved so that every line has the same total?
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Ninfyr

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Re: Hexagonal Number Puzzle
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2011, 12:03:27 PM »



With the given numbers, you can conclude that the total (t) is equal to 38.
3+7+5+8+15=t
t=38

To find the bottom diagonal you can use this.
16+x+15=t
knowing that t=38...
16+x+15=38
x=7
7 is already used  :|

to find the top diagonal you can use this
10+x+3=t
knowing that t=38...
10+x+3=38
x=25
That doesn't make sense at all :x.

As well as a few other problems further down the line.

I'd have to conclude that either the directions are wrong/unclear or the numbers are wrong.
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Min

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Re: Hexagonal Number Puzzle
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2011, 01:49:44 PM »

Oh I see.  I didn't look at it closely enough.
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