Reasoning
If we convert the question to algebra, we have:
((n^2 + 4) x 2 − 3) x 4 − n = 20
Expanding the brackets and simplifying gives:
(2n^2 + 8 − 3) x 4 − n = 20
(2n^2 + 5) x 4 − n = 20
8n^2 + 20 − n = 20
8n^2 − n = 0 (*)
8n − 1 = 0
8n = 1
n = 1/8
In the equation marked (*) zero is also a potential solution, but as the question tells us that we "Start with a number larger than 0" we know that n can't be 0, and therefore we can safely divide by n.
Place JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, into the grid. The sequence will snake around, but cannot go diagonally, nor cross itself.
Hidden in the grid below are eight, 7-letter words. Each word begins with the central R and you can move one letter in any direction to the next letter. All of the letters are used exactly once each. What are the words?
C
Y
B
N
Y
A
L
L
C
W
O
I
I
W
E
E
E
A
A
F
E
C
P
E
R
E
E
R
A
L
E
O
E
J
E
P
S
T
Y
A
I
O
E
C
Y
T
L
C
E
Note: this puzzle is not interactive, and the letters cannot be clicked.
