Oops, I misread Rich’s question as perhaps smallest *solution* to this specific puzzle, not smallest *puzzle*. Smallest *puzzle* is a more interesting question, but here’s what I found anyhow. Maybe smallest radix? I find a parametric solution, good for n=1, 2, 3, … With the variables named as diagrammed below, and assuming they must be distinct digits, A = 2n B = n(4n+1) C = n(4n+2) D = 0 E = n radix = 2n(4n+1) = 10, 36, 78, 136, 210, 300, ... Per program search, this is the only solution through radix=320, but I have no proof there aren’t others in higher radix. A C ------- A B ) C B D B D --- E B D E B D ----- D — Mike
On Jan 14, 2019, at 12:41 AM, rcs@xmission.com wrote:
I dunno -- fewest symbols? smallest dividend? --Rich
Quoting Fred Lunnon <fred.lunnon@gmail.com>:
Agreed; but smallest in what metric? WFL
On 1/13/19, rcs@xmission.com <rcs@xmission.com> wrote:
There's a cute puzzle at
https://www.foxtrot.com/2019/01/13/cell-division/
I get a unique answer. Perhaps the smallest such puzzle?
Rich