Numerical Challenges Abound: Can You Crack the Code?
The year 2026 has finally arrived, and with it comes a set of numerical challenges designed to test your problem-solving skills. The puzzle master behind these brain teasers is back at it again, armed with a treasure trove of mathematical conundrums that will push you to think outside the box.
First up, we have an expression equal to 26 that uses six 1s: (1+1)×(1+1+11). This one's a no-brainer – or is it? The real challenge lies in finding alternative solutions using different combinations of numbers and mathematical operations.
The rules are simple: you can use five 9s, six 8s, six 7s, six 6s, four 5s, six 4s, four 3s, four 2s, or a rather more obscure solution involving a partridge in a pair tree (just kidding – or are we?). The only allowed operations are the four basic arithmetic ones: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can also use brackets, exponentiation, and concatenation to your advantage.
The puzzle master has already provided some of the solutions, but we want to hear from you! Can you come up with alternative expressions that equal 26 using a different set of numbers and operations? The game's afoot!
As always, thanks go out to Inder Taneja, author of numbers-magic.com, for sharing his expertise on numerical puzzles. And if you think you've got a puzzle worth solving, send it our way – we'd love to give it a try!
The year 2026 has finally arrived, and with it comes a set of numerical challenges designed to test your problem-solving skills. The puzzle master behind these brain teasers is back at it again, armed with a treasure trove of mathematical conundrums that will push you to think outside the box.
First up, we have an expression equal to 26 that uses six 1s: (1+1)×(1+1+11). This one's a no-brainer – or is it? The real challenge lies in finding alternative solutions using different combinations of numbers and mathematical operations.
The rules are simple: you can use five 9s, six 8s, six 7s, six 6s, four 5s, six 4s, four 3s, four 2s, or a rather more obscure solution involving a partridge in a pair tree (just kidding – or are we?). The only allowed operations are the four basic arithmetic ones: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can also use brackets, exponentiation, and concatenation to your advantage.
The puzzle master has already provided some of the solutions, but we want to hear from you! Can you come up with alternative expressions that equal 26 using a different set of numbers and operations? The game's afoot!
As always, thanks go out to Inder Taneja, author of numbers-magic.com, for sharing his expertise on numerical puzzles. And if you think you've got a puzzle worth solving, send it our way – we'd love to give it a try!
. A partridge in a pair tree? Sounds like some kind of joke to me 
. I need to see the math behind it before I believe it's legit. And what's with all these numbers and operations? Can we get a simple explanation of how it works instead of just throwing a bunch of rules at us? 
I'd love to try solving some of the puzzles, but I need more info on the "rules" before I start scratching my head. Where's the source on this one?
. Like, what's the point of even trying? You're just gonna end up with some complicated formula that nobody understands... I mean, who needs all these numbers and operations anyway? It's not like it's gonna change your life or anything. Just a bunch of nerds messing around with math 
. And don't even get me started on the "partridge in a pair tree" thing – what's up with that? Sounds like some kind of joke to me 
I'm literally dying to tackle this challenge!!! 26 is like, my favorite number ever 
and the fact that there's an expression using just 6 ones is giving me LIFE 
Can't wait to dive in and find all the possible solutions... the more complex the better 
gotta get those creative juices flowing 
I've been trying to solve the one with 1s for ages now... still can't figure it out 
. Anyone got any ideas on how to tackle (1+1)×(1+1+11)? Should be easier than it looks, but so far, no luck 
️ this one is gonna be tough but imma need some help figuring out how to use all those 1s... 26 is like, not that hard to get at first glance lol @ using different combinations of numbers and ops, gotta try using exponentiation 
I'm loving the challenge already! 26 is a pretty small number, so I'm thinking there gotta be some sneaky ways to get there with just six 1s. I mean, can't we just do like (1+1)×(1+1), and then just repeat that like crazy? Or maybe we're supposed to use the +11 thing to our advantage? 
need to see some real problem-solving skills here. where's the logic? how does this even help us in life? 
also, what's with all these obscure solutions involving a partridge in a pair tree? sounds like a joke 
and honestly im still clueless... but thats what makes it so fun right? trying to crack the code and see if we can find any patterns or shortcuts 
And now, I'm sitting here trying to wrap my head around this... (1+1)×(1+1+11) is a no-brainer? 
More like, how do we even simplify it? 
Do you guys have any ideas?!
i'm thinking maybe using the 9s in a different order like (9×9)+(8+7+6) or something 
can't wait to see if i can crack this code 
. Can't they come up with something a bit more challenging or original? I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who can whip up a solution, but it'll probably just be a bunch of basic algebra and some creative number juggling 
wanna see whos gonna crack the code first? 
numerical challenge 
! i mean, who doesn't love a good brain teaser, right? 
. and yeah, using brackets, exponentiation, and concatenation can make all the difference 
. i've also got a feelin' that there are some hidden patterns or relationships between the numbers that could lead to some awesome solutions 
