How to Solve the 24 Game
The goal is to combine four numbers with plus, minus, times and divide to make exactly 24. Experts do not try random combinations; they work from the answer.
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1. Memorise the ways to make 24
3 x 8, 4 x 6, 2 x 12, 1 x 24 and 30 - 6 cover most puzzles. Try to build one of these pairs from your numbers.
2. Work backwards
Pick a pair such as 3 x 8, then ask whether the other two numbers can make a 3 and an 8 between them.
3. Look for easy 1s and 0s
Use pairs that make 1 or 0 to simplify. For example, 5 - 5 or 6 / 6 can free up the other numbers.
4. Try division for fractions
Hard puzzles often need division in the middle, such as 8 / (3 - 8/3) = 24 for 3, 3, 8, 8. If nothing else works, try fractions.
5. Use every number once
All four numbers must be used exactly once. If you are close, check you have not skipped one.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there always a solution?
- Most sets of four numbers can make 24, but some cannot. Experienced players learn which ones are impossible.
- Do I need brackets?
- Yes. Brackets change the order of operations and are essential for the harder puzzles.