Given this 3 x 3 matrix:

define a simple procedure with the minimal number of operations resulting in the value of 682.

(In reply to another solution by Daniel)

Daniel, hindsight is a wonderful teacher.  Unfortunately it so often allows no redemption.

Looking back over previous comments "simple" should have been defined as something within the realms of a junior high school maths student and with such operations commensurate with such understandings.  I initially wanted to add something to the effect "make up to 6 additions to the grid".  There were issues.  I then considered insisting those be external but relevant to the grid structure.

"If this as well fails to meet the mysterious definitions of simple and/or operations, then I refuse to give this problem any more thought "  I wouldn't blame you.  What operations did you employ? Addition and exponentiation? Did you use multipication?  I did, but that really is a reiteration of addition.  Two operations!  I couldn't get simpler than that.

Posted by brianjn on 2012-04-16 22:43:50