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The Sixteen Grid

Each of the numbers 1, 2, …, 16 is used exactly once in the empty cells to form arithmetic expressions connected by symbols for the four basic operations. Each row (column) is an arithmetic expression, read and performed left to right (top to bottom), disregarding the usual order of operations, to yield the result at the right (bottom).

16-grid puzzle

Hints

Before you begin, here’s a good clue,
Beware of the list, for one is untrue.

To get a start, with vim and vigor,
See that the top right number couldn't possibly be bigger.

For another corner, you must reject
Any and all numbers that are not perfect.

Stumped? Don't fall into depression:
The first three entries in one row are in geometric progression.

For salvation don't look to the gods or run for the border,
One row is consecutive odds (though not in order).

If you are really stuck, can linear algebra cure your anxiety?
The puzzle complete has determinant -15090

Now, buster, before you tire of reading these rhymes
No row or column has more than two primes.

When you solve this you'll feel like a hero,
Three numbers in one column, in one base, end in zero.

Submit the solution to this puzzle by email to paoffice@ams.org (with your solution left to right, top row to bottom row), or return the grid (copied from this page or from the Member Newsletter) filled in clearly by fax Attention Public Awareness Office at 401-331-3842. Please include your full name.

The deadline for entries is December 1, 2006. Ten correct solutions will be drawn at random and those selected will be awarded 25 AMS Points.