Can you solve it? Do you have a snout for numbers? This game is end to end! Today's offering is for fans of the number 4. It's a cute puzzle that offers up its solution in an elegant way.
Nose to tail mathematics
There is a number N beginning with 4 such that moving the 4 to the end of it creates a new number that is a quarter of N. In other words, N is of the form 4[...], where [...] is a sequence of digits, and N ÷ 4 = [...]4. What is the lowest possible value of N?
Hint
Suppose that N has two digits. If you can't find a solution, suppose that N has three digits. Repeat until the answer pops out.
I'll be back at 5pm UK with the solution. Please no spoilers. Instead, discuss snouts.
Source: Moscow Mathematical Olympiad 1983, via @mathematicsproblems and Kevin Gately
I've been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I'm always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.
