Apparently a version of this puzzle appeared in ‘Nouvelles Annales de Mathématiques’. So we want to arrange the nine digits so that the first two numbers will multiply together to make the third.

In our examples above, we have 12 × 483 = 5,796 and 4 × 1,738 = 6,952.

Now can you find all possible solutions in both cases?

Give this math problem a go, and when you are ready, keep reading for the solution.

Solution

I would say this is a good exercise in developing our trial and error ability, as well as improving our patience. You know sort of like a sudoku, but a bit simpler.

Did you get all 9 of them? Hmm I think this is too short for an article, so let’s try this challenge.

Using the nine digits, what’s the greatest number you can make if you can arrange those two numbers two groups of digits, three groups of digits, and four groups of digits?

Here are some examples. So let me know in the comments what bigger numbers you can make 🙂