Puzzle 197
Can you find three consecutive odd numbers that …
… total 7,644,585 when multiplied together?
Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
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Hint
Try starting with the cube root of the number.
Answer
195 x 197 x 199.
Reasoning
Since we're after three numbers that multiply together, a good place to start is the cube root of 7,644,585, which is roughly 196.99.
Let's try dividing by the closest odd number to 196.99:
7644585 ÷ 197 = 38805
We're now after whole divisors of 38,805, so trying either odd number either side of 197 might work.
Trying either 195 or 199 gives the answer.
Double-Checking
195 x 197 x 199 = 7,644,585
Note
Trying the closest odd number to the cube root always works, and the other two numbers are the odd numbers either side.
Puzzle 198
I really must replace my BrainBashers word processor.
I recently spell checked my document, and it managed to misrepresent one letter in each of the words.
What were the original words?
A lake sees. Then a sea I fee, is bakes he thank if toe money what thee bake. Money bakes me roast lice.
Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
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Hint
In each word, exactly one letter is wrong.
Answer
I like bees. When I see a bee, it makes me think of the honey that they make. Honey makes my toast nice.
Puzzle 199
What word most logically goes in the brackets:
EASY [HEAD] HARD
OOZE [----] FACT
Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
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Hint
The question contains the answer.
Answer
FOOT.
Take the first letter of the second word
+ the first letter of the first word
+ the second letter of the first word
+ the last letter of the second word.
Double-Checking
23-- [1234] 1--4
EA-- [HEAD] H--D
OO-- [FOOT] F--T
Puzzle 200
What comes next in this sequence:
Bucket · raisins · aardvark · igloo · north · Bradawl · ?
Choose from:
drink, zebra, road, alphabet, lion, keyboard
Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
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Hint
Look at the first letters of the words.
Answer
Alphabet.
The first letters of the words are spelling BrainBashers.
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