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.

Well, after four hours coding, and about ten runs so far I've found a solution with a sequence of length 97. 'Ere 'tis.

Sequence: 606 - 702 (97)

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

Generation: 10942

If anyone can pick out any errors I'd be glad of the help - my eyes are tired! :P

Oh, Brian, would a number such as 001 count? I've only been checking the range of numbers 100-999 - if I'm wrong it's easily changed :)

Posted by Rawlyn on 2004-01-30 19:23:54