Solving the Puzzle Step – by – Step
Now, let’s solve the puzzle. The equation is 1? 2? 3 = 4. The numbers are 1, 2, and 3, and the result should be 4. Basic addition or multiplication won’t work:
- 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 (too big)
- 1 × 2 × 3 = 6 (still too big)
We need to think beyond simple math. Operations like exponents, roots, or parentheses can change things. What if we use an exponent?
Let’s try combining exponentiation with addition. First, 1² (1 to the power of 2). Since 1 × 1 = 1, 1² = 1. Then add 3 to 1: 1 + 3 = 4. It works! The correct equation is 1 ^ 2 + 3 = 4.