24 Game

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This article is about the mathematical game. For the game based on FOX's television series, see 24: The Game.

The 24 Game is a mathematical game in which the object is to find a way to manipulate four integers so that the end result is 24. Each set of four numbers is found on a game card. In the original version, addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division could be used to make four digits from one to nine equal 24. For an example card with the numbers 4,7,8,8, a possible solution is the following: 8/8=1, 7-1=6, 6×4=24. There are nine official variations of the 24 Game. Robert Sun invented it in 1988 and sold it through his company, Suntex International Inc. The tournament-style competition 24 Challenge is based on the game.

[edit] Variations

There have been many variations on the 24 Challenge game, as one deck of cards can be fairly easily memorized, thus creating a simple memory game instead of a skills tester. Some variations include:

Two-digit cards — cards may have 2-digit numbers on them, leading to more difficulty as not as many students are as familiar with multiples of larger numbers.
Variables — Cards have two wheels, each has three numbers with one number "missing." The object is to find a number (any integer 1 - 9) which, when used with the other numbers on each wheel, can make 24 on both wheels.^[1]
Fraction, Decimal, and Exponent versions are also available. They are used often in higher level tournaments.