Listener 4216 - Evens by Elap

[crosswhit99]

Another great puzzle from the master of numericals with a logical entry point and steady progression from thereon in - all fair and square !

[olichant]

How frustrating that I simply can't begin to understand how to crack this (apart from having filled 7 cells). A level further maths doesn't seem *that* long ago, although I appreciate this is pure logic and arithmetic rather than maths as such. Oh well - at least I've learnt another Goldberg variation this weekend, even if I haven't managed to improve my woeful crossnumber record. Very annoying - will follow the solving blog (if there is one) with interest.

[perseverer]

Well got there eventually, but I just marvel at how a setter can construct a grid like this.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, Olichant, I have it on good authority that there is a solving blog.

[AndrewG-S]

What a great challenge and incredible construction. Took me much longer than it should have done though.

[contendo]

I enjoyed the initial grid-fill but found the final stages a rather tedious slog. There's no doubt a neater way of doing it than using my blunderbuss approach. Am full of admiration for Elap's ingenious construction. My mind is truly boggled.

[oldvic]

Thank you for your kind comments, folks.

Alekhine: It is a requirement that "Mathematical puzzles shouldn’t be too mathematical: they should stick to simple GCSE (or the old
‘O’ level) Mathematics concepts and achieve originality by using these in innovative ways," and so that rather eliminates matrices and nasty things like that, unfortunately.

And guys... keep up the good work in not revealing too much. Ta.

Elap

[Ruthrobin]

Elap, I hope we'll be able to read a setter's blog on Listen With Others. Any chance of your contacting [email protected]?

[JackDeCrow]

One of my favourite number puzzles ever. I liked the way the clues worked - seemed somehow more of a point to them than the usual array of unlinked formulae. A couple of great PDMs and the I thought the final sentence of the preamble was the most mind-boggling of all. I can only echo the awe and general "how did they do that" sentiments already expressed! Thanks Elap

[teuchter2]

I might make the Monday club. Have all clues solved now and know what I am looking for. It's a good thing I had a look to see how everyone was progressing as I had not really twigged that there are two lines to draw, although this probably would have come to me when I got to that stage and re-read the instructions. Altogether a bit of a slog. Frustrating to have just received my new BRB, and then have to get out my SRC (small, red calculator!).

[taittinger]

The 4215 thread seems closed so apologies for intruding on the current one. I'm not absolutely crystal clear about endgame (hangover not helping); so illumination is gratefully sought - pls send to [email protected]. It all just seems to be a bit ambiguous

[olichant]

Persistence (and a huge excel spreadsheet - doubtless not the most efficient technique) paid off! And I have learnt, the hard way, that a careless mistake in one of the early stages is really something to be avoided - unpicking the trains of logic is (for me) not a fast process.

Thanks, Elap.

[Cruncher]

Hey Olichant - which Goldberg variation did you learn last weekend? Such fabulous music to work on. How did he do that too. Bet Bach would have been good at number puzzles!

[olichant]

Cruncher - number 21 (canone alla settima). Wonderful, and a whole lot easier than its immediate predecessor.

[Cruncher]

Agreed Olichant. The double keyboard variations are very tricky indeed. Good luck with the rest!