Geek Dad Challenge of the Week: Geeky Golf

When it comes to golf I tend to agree with Mark Twain: “Golf is a nice walk ruined.” Then I discovered the geek version of golf. Code Golf is a programming challenge with a twist. Everyone is given programming problem to solve but you have to use the least number of keystrokes. I’ve participated in in […]
Golf Balls
Image by Kallenra used under Creative Commons License

When it comes to golf I tend to agree with Mark Twain: "Golf is a nice walk ruined." Then I discovered the geek version of golf. Code Golf is a programming challenge with a twist. Everyone is given programming problem to solve but you have to use the least number of keystrokes. I've participated in in a few PERL Golf games and I'm no Tiger Woods by a long shot, but It is lot of fun.bb

This weeks puzzle is similar to code golf but instead of code we'll use our good old friend arithmetic. How do you play Math Golf? Easy: Each of the main operations has a stroke value listed here:

  • Subtraction = 1 Stroke
  • Addition = 2 Strokes
  • Multiplication = 2 Strokes
  • Division = 3 Strokes

So this equation:

1 + 2 + 3 - 5 x 4 ÷ 2 = 2

Totals 10 strokes.

The challenge is to complete the following equation using the fewest strokes.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 = 100

You can only use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, You cannot rearrange the numbers: they must stay in the order they are given and you can't combine adjacent numbers to make a new number, for example 1 2 can't be made into 12.

You probably know how to win this by now but for our new friends: Send your answer to The GeekDad Clubhouse, and if you're right you have a chance to win a $50.00 ThinkGeek gift certificate.

Now get out there and hit the links!