Whats the smallest number ("the magic number") that can satisfy these conditions?

- its positive

- it is not divisible by any number below 20 (excluding 1)

- the average of the digits is an even number between 3 and 9

Here is the problem as I see it.
When I read "the average of the digits is an even number between 3 and 9" my brain interpreted "even" as "whole number"

I assume this is because I know the average of a set of numbers is not usually a whole number.

In fact, had the orginal statement used "whole" rather than "even" the solution whould be 37 - the conclusion I jumped to.

Although the wording as it stands is _not_ ambiguous, is can be wrongly interpreted.

A better wording may be

- the average of the digits is an even whole number between 3 and 9

For a really easy problem this one has sparked quite the discussion.

-Jer

Posted by Jer on 2004-03-19 12:28:38