using 2, 0, 1, 3 = 88

Question

only use numbers once

Answer 1

Lil,

This looks like an algebra equation begging to be solved.

Look for what is known. That is the 2,0,1,3, and 88.

If you simply substitute x behind each number and turn it into a linear equation you get

2x+0x=1x(or just x) + 3x  = 88

we know zero times anything is zero, so throw that away.

so, now: 2x + 0x + 1x +3x = 88

Next, combine like terms: 2x + 1x (or just x) + 3x = 6x

and put in the 88 (remember...drop the zero x, just forget about it, and it is used)

SO, 6x =88

Next, divide both sides by 6 to isolate the variable x

6x/6  = 88/6

so the 6's cancel out, leaving x=88/6

x=14.

Now, check the work by plugging in the number 14 for x in the equation.

2(14) + 0(14) + 1(14) + 3(14) = 88

28+0+14+42 = 88

88 = 88

This works. Hope this helped you.