Can you make 2023?
Use the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 exactly once. Choose your operations.
The clock starts when you reveal the puzzle.2023 − 1 = 2022
Save the digit 1 for a final small step.
SIX DIGITS. A SURPRISING DESTINATION.
A handful of digits.
One lovely number.
Build an expression.
Find your own way there.
YOUR DESTINATION
2023
Tap the keys or type. Join digits to make numbers, like 12.
Six digits. Plenty of possibilities.
Use each digit once. You may join digits into whole numbers.AT YOUR OWN PACE
A brain snack, with room to think.
THE ANSWER OPENS ANOTHER DOOR
Now for the lovely part.
You have an answer. Explore how it works, then take the idea somewhere new.
See why it works ↓Keep your time
THE IDEA BEHIND THE ANSWER
Unpack your expression.
Your digits stay the same. Follow the operations in the order they are evaluated.
ANOTHER WAY TO SEE IT
Start at the destination.
Here is one route into the puzzle. Work backwards from 2023, choosing steps that leave useful digits behind.
2022 ÷ 6 = 337
Use 6 as a multiplier. Now you only need to make 337.
342 − 5 = 337
The remaining digits 2, 3, 4 and 5 do the job.
(342 − 5) × 6 + 1 = 2023
This is one solution. Your expression may follow a different route—and that is part of the pleasure.
The idea to take away
When the starting point feels unhelpful, work backwards from the result you want. A difficult target can become a sequence of smaller, friendlier ones.