Loading ...Problem Description
Consider the following "magic" 3-gon ring, filled with the numbers 1 to 6, and each line adding to nine.
Working clockwise, and starting from the group of three with the numerically lowest external node (4,3,2 in this example), each solution can be described uniquely. For example, the above solution can be described by the set: 4,3,2; 6,2,1; 5,1,3.
It is possible to complete the ring with four different totals: 9, 10, 11, and 12. There are eight solutions in total.
| Total | Solution Set |
| 9 | 4,2,3; 5,3,1; 6,1,2 |
| 9 | 4,3,2; 6,2,1; 5,1,3 |
| 10 | 2,3,5; 4,5,1; 6,1,3 |
| 10 | 2,5,3; 6,3,1; 4,1,5 |
| 11 | 1,4,6; 3,6,2; 5,2,4 |
| 11 | 1,6,4; 5,4,2; 3,2,6 |
| 12 | 1,5,6; 2,6,4; 3,4,5 |
| 12 | 1,6,5; 3,5,4; 2,4,6 |
By concatenating each group it is possible to form 9-digit strings; the maximum string for a 3-gon ring is 432621513.
Using the numbers 1 to 10, and depending on arrangements, it is possible to form 16- and 17-digit strings. What is the maximum 16-digit string for a "magic" 5-gon ring?
Analysis
see Solution.
Solution
The clues “magic” and 16-digit not 17-digit number give this one away. Just as the example, the bigger numbers go on the outside and the smaller numbers on the inside. They total 14 from all views, and, following the instructions above:
Working clockwise, and starting from the group of three with the numerically lowest external node, each solution can be described uniquely.
On our first try we discovered the answer and have included it below, so don’t look if you want to face the challenge yourself.
Discussion
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