Maths Challenge

[derrynoose]

I have been challenged to use the digits 1 to 9 inclusive, in order, and the symbols plus,minus, multiply,divide, to obtain the result 200. So far, no success. Any clear thinking mathematicians out there at this hour?

[Rev. Green]

Lots of ways, but if you aren't allowed brackets, how about
1+234 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9?
Or must you use + - * / just once each?

[Rev. Green]

I bet you'd like to find an answer yourself. So try completing this (the "2" should be written as a superscript, i.e. the first term is one squared):
1(2) *34 *5 ...

[derrynoose]

Thanks Rev.Green. Can complete using your prompt,thanks. I have responded to my challenge setter who queries whether it is possible to come up with a solution using separate digits i.e. not compounding the digits into such as 234 or 23, but using each singly!

[R1Geezer]

what are the rules? Ok each digit individually, what about the operators? must we use at least one of add subtract multiply divide or all of them?

[R1Geezer]

and are we ignoring the normal order of priotity:

eg is 6+7x2 = 26 or 20?

[Rev. Green]

I can\'t manage single digits unless you allow brackets.
With brackets the first six digits can easily make the number 2, and then 200 = 2**7 + 8*9 (the seven is a superscript.
If you need to use all four signs you could have ((-1 * 2 / 3 - 4 + 5) * 6)**7 + 8*9

[Rev. Green]

I've managed single digits without brackets:-
-1*2 + 3 + 4*5*6 + 7 + 8*9
This assumes the normal rule: multiplication before addition.

[derrynoose]

Excellent Rev Green! Go to the top of the class. ( If you're not already there!).