Add a letter to make this true

Question

Add a letter to make this true.

Please retain the = sign. (I consider solutions involving ≠, for example, to be trivial)

equal by definition, as in, you are declaring that 148 is seven by definition which is an inherently true statement. (or a statement with no truth value depending on the propositional calculus model you are using) — John Meacham, Apr 17 '16 at 20:56

score 45 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 17 '16 at 23:08

45

1 B 4 8 = 7

Because :

one before eight is seven (8-1 = 7)

edited Apr 17 '16 at 23:08

Spencerkatty

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answered Apr 17 '16 at 20:55

Fabich

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Nice one - you have it. – Shuri2060 Apr 17 '16 at 20:55
4

A rebus as a solution instead of the puzzle. I like it. – Engineer Toast Apr 18 '16 at 13:39
Ah I was thinking 1 from 8 = 7. I was trying to decide whether that should count, since you're exchanging a letter instead of actually adding one. – Devsman Apr 18 '16 at 20:10

kamenf · Answer 2 · 2016-04-18T17:23:31.697

18

148 = 7F

also

~~148 = 78~~
above is with digit, so replacing it with
148 = 7J

also

148 = 7D

because

In various radix systems:
${148}_{(10)}=7F_{(19)}$
${148}_{(10)}=78_{(20)}$
${148}_{(11)}=7J_{(22)}$
${148}_{(9)}=7D_{(16)}$

edited Apr 18 '16 at 17:23

answered Apr 17 '16 at 23:58

kamenf

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The 2nd one doesn't work because 8 isn't a letter. Are radix systems just different bases? – Shuri2060 Apr 18 '16 at 09:48
@QuestionAsker Yes. – Apr 18 '16 at 11:00
@QuestionAsker Yes, they are indicated in subscript in the explanation. There are other examples too. With letters only ;) – kamenf Apr 18 '16 at 17:19

score 6 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 17 '16 at 20:37

6

Add

An italicized I over the top of the = turning it into ≠ or the not equals sign.

answered Apr 17 '16 at 20:37

John Meacham

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For any questions in this format, like match stick/add a line problems, I would consider these solutions to be trivial. Please retain the = sign. – Shuri2060 Apr 17 '16 at 20:43
5

A lot of times the trivial solution is the one that the asker is looking for though, they are banking on the people overlooking the obvious (and trivial to one person is clever to another). I am not sure there is a good way to tag things to indicate what type of problem it is without giving away the solution... I think the only way is to make the problem more precise. if messing with = is not on the table, add it to the question. – John Meacham Apr 17 '16 at 20:52
Of course - no problem. – Shuri2060 Apr 17 '16 at 20:54
Maybe a no overylays statement when the word "add" is used since i have seen it used both ways in puzzles.. (add in between and add on top) for future puzzles of this form... – John Meacham Apr 17 '16 at 21:00
Actually, I think I can allow both, as there aren't any other solutions (at least I don't think), unless you try to cross the whole thing out or change the = sign. – Shuri2060 Apr 17 '16 at 21:11

score 4 · Answer 4 · answered Apr 19 '16 at 05:29

4

Add "m" to for ("4," get it?). 1 from 8 = 7

answered Apr 19 '16 at 05:29

denny boy

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You should use spoilers. – palsch Jun 11 '16 at 13:37

score 3 · Answer 5 · edited Jun 11 '16 at 14:17

3

It's a very boring answer:

but 148a = 7 or any variation adding a letter variable, while being a trivial addition--it does invoke a rather great meaning that is fundamental to algebra.

I think you were looking for a read aloud style puzzle

one for eight is seven one "B" for eight is seven

edited Jun 11 '16 at 14:17

palsch

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answered Apr 18 '16 at 18:08

Matt

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That's the first thing my friend said when I asked him, actually — "$148 = 7x$ where $x={148\over7}$" :) – Shuri2060 Apr 19 '16 at 19:00
Although you may find your answer boring, you should use Spoilers. – palsch Jun 11 '16 at 13:35

Add a letter to make this true

5 Answers5