Math puzzles.

[rivka]

My father brought three math puzzles down with him this weekend. I got the first one pretty easily, struggled with the second, and had no chance in hell in getting the third. So I pass them all along you to guys.

1. Write the number 4 five times, in combination with any of the basic operators, to produce the sum of 55.

2. Take the numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5. Take any of the four basic operators - but you may only use each one once. Produce the sum of 26. Edited to add: You may not put two numbers next to each other to make a larger number (e.g., 25 + 4 -3). Treat them as separate integers.

3. Write the number 4 three times, employing any of a very broad set of mathematical operators, to produce the sum of 55.

Assume that there will be spoilers in the comments section.

Comments

[miscrants.livejournal.com]

No, that does work: INT(EXP(4) + SQRT(4)/4)) = 55
The question does say "a very broad set of mathematical operators", and exp() is probably more usual than counting put-a-decimal-point-in-front-of as an operator rather than a different number.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

I think Rivka's Dad wasn't understanding the use of the INT function.

It does work - but it's probably not the intended answer.

I did find a cute way to get to 54.

Take IV IV IV. Turn one upside down and place it underneath another. You now have IV IX. I * IX = 9, V *IX = 45, 9+45 = 54.

I suppose you could drop the I from the third IV - you'd still have IX, just the I would be half-height! - and use it to add one to the result.

[rivka.livejournal.com]

I think Rivka's Dad wasn't understanding the use of the INT function.

Well, he was having it read aloud to him by me, and I don't know what's meant by INT, so it's entirely possible.