Target
Combine six numerical tiles using basic arithmetic operations (+, −, ×, ÷) to synthesize an exact three-digit target integer.
HISTORICAL ORIGIN LORE
The Lineage of Target
Created in 1965 by Armand Jammot for the French television program Des chiffres et des lettres under the name Le Compte Est Bon ("The count is right"), and popularized internationally as the numbers round of the British game show Countdown since 1982. The game tests mental arithmetic, reverse factor decomposition, and dynamic modular estimation.
SYSTEM MECHANICS & RULES
Rules & Cognitive Architecture
Given six numbers (chosen from small numbers 1–10 and large numbers 25, 50, 75, 100) and a randomly generated target integer between 101 and 999.
Combine the available numbers using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and integer division.
Each of the six numbers may be used at most once.
Intermediate calculations must be whole positive integers (no fractions, negative numbers, or non-integer remainders).
Achieve the exact target number, or come within the closest possible delta.
Trained Mental Models
- ▸Prime factorization decomposition and modular arithmetic intuition
- ▸Mental arithmetic agility under flexible operation order
- ▸Working backward from three-digit targets to factorable components
INCLUDED FREE FOREVER
The Three Base Tiers
Gentle
2 large numbers and 4 small numbers with targets factorable into simple multiples of 25 or 50.
Standard
1 large number and 5 small numbers requiring two-stage operations and distributive arithmetic.
Deep
6 small numbers only (no 25/50/75/100) targeting prime or near-prime three-digit integers.
BEYOND+ MASTER EDITIONS
The Master Variants for Target
All 6 Tiles Exhaustion
Exact target synthesis with mandatory consumption of all six numbers
Enforces the rigorous condition that every single one of the six provided numbers must be incorporated into the arithmetic equation to achieve a valid solution.
- ·Full-set integer expression tree parser
- ·Exhaustive 6-operand constraint validator
- ·Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) solution compiler
No-Multiplication Cipher
Arithmetic restriction strictly banning multiplication operations
Strictly bans the multiplication operator (×), forcing players to reach three-digit numbers using only addition, subtraction, and reciprocal divisor chains.
- ·Additive and subtractive target synthesizers
- ·Reciprocal divisor network generation
- ·Fractional exclusion verification
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions on Target Architecture
Are fractions or decimals allowed in Target?
No. Every intermediate step must result in a whole positive integer. Division is only permitted when the remainder is exactly zero.
Is every generated Target puzzle solvable?
Yes. Our offline generator calculates an exact algebraic solution before generating the puzzle prompt.
Can I see the computer solution after I finish?
Yes. An elegant, step-by-step arithmetic breakdown can be inspected on demand.
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Play Target on Android
Available directly on Google Play with Gentle, Standard, and Deep tiers included free forever.