In the 4x4 grid below, 32 consecutive two digit numbers (45 to 76) have been packed in it.

1 3 5 9
2 5 4 8
0 7 6 2
1 6 3 9

*****
The challenge: Pack as many consecutive 3 digit numbers as possible into a 9x9 grid. The numbers may be read from any direction. No leading zeros.

I think this problem is hopeless without a computer, and I'm quite interested in seeing how it is proved that the solution is optimum.

I don't like problems which are basically impossible to do by hand and so this gets a "1" rating -- sorry!

Posted by e.g. on 2004-01-22 11:52:27