How to play Numbers
Numbers gives you a target and six numbers. Combine the numbers with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division until one of your results is the target. There are three puzzles a day, easy, medium and hard, with no timer and no limit on tries.
Play today's Numbers →The rules
Reach the target number using the six numbers and + − × ÷.
For example, to reach 358:
- 50 × 7 = 350
- 350 + 8 = 358 ⭐
- Tap a number, an operation, then another number: the two become their result.
- Keep using results in new steps. Each number can be used only once.
- Every result must be a positive whole number: no fractions, no zero, no negatives.
- You don't need to use all six numbers.
- Undo takes back the last step; Reset starts that puzzle over.
- Three puzzles a day: easy, medium and hard. No timer, no limit on tries.
- Stuck? “Show a solution” ends that puzzle and shows one way to do it.
An example
Say the numbers are 3, 7, 8, 25, 50 and 100, and the target is 358. Multiply 50 × 7 = 350: the two numbers become 350. Then add 350 + 8 = 358, and the puzzle is solved.
You didn't need 3, 25 or 100. That's fine: you can use as many of the six numbers as you like, but each one only once.
Tips
- Get close first. Find a product near the target, then fix the difference with the small numbers.
- Work backwards: what would you need to add to, or multiply by, to land on the target?
- Keep the small numbers for the end. They are good for fixing a difference of a few units.
- Division only works when it comes out even, so look for numbers that divide each other.
- Undo is free. Try an idea, and if it goes nowhere, take the steps back.
Questions
Is every puzzle solvable?
Yes. Every puzzle is checked ahead of time, and at least one solution exists.
Why can't I subtract a bigger number from a smaller one?
Every step has to give a positive whole number: no fractions, no zero and no negatives. Start with the bigger number.
What if I give up?
“Show a solution” ends that puzzle and shows one way to reach the target. It counts as ✗ in your share, and the other puzzles stay open.
Is Numbers the same in every language?
Yes: the numbers and targets are the same for everyone, in English and in Portuguese.