You have a calculator whose multiplication button is broken. The only operations that work are addition (x+y), subtraction (x-y), and reciprocation (1/x).

Can you use this calculator to multiply two numbers?

(In reply to Clarification Questions by nikki)

1.  You may assume that there are working parentheses buttons.  You may also assume that the regular number buttons work as well.  (Note that the problem statement uses the word "operations", allowing for these possibilities)

2.  You may not assume that the two numbers you need to multiply are integers (in response to Erik's post).

Posted by David Shin on 2005-01-20 21:31:09