Write the number 1000 as an arithmetic expression, i.e. using only digits and the symbols
+ - * /
such that exactly nine 9's and no other digits show up.

(In reply to -10 for spelling by Richard)

From the Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation:

"Rule 2.  With a group of related numbers .... Use words if all related numbers are 10 or below."

Correct: It's millennium (two l's and two n's).

Incorrect: It's millennium (two l's and 2 n's).

[Let's not be too picky about typos and grammar.  I know I've had my share. :-P]

Millenium appears to be an acceptable spelling in Webster's 1828 Dictionary; and, Wikipedia notes that the word millennium is often misspelled -- therefore I award +5 points back to the puzzle's editor.

Edited on August 23, 2006, 1:42 am

Posted by Dej Mar on 2006-08-22 23:55:02